Dr. Megan Johnson McCulloughSpecial to Valley NewsVitamin B-12 has so many purposes and plays a vital role in our bodily functions. We need it, and the body will communicate when there is a deficiency. Fortunately, deficiency is not very common.B-12 is important for cellular metabolism and red blood cell formation. It also plays a role in nerve function and producing DNA. We get it from different food sources including meat, poultry, fish, and dairy. Many people take B-12 as a supplement or even get injections. There are also nasal sprays. Some foods like cereals are fortified with B-12.B-12 is also needed for having a healthy pregnancy. Having a deficiency increases the risk for birth defects, specifically spinal cord and brain defects. It is also needed for bone health. S
