Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin and is unique in being the first cobalt-containing substance found to be essential for longevity. The cobalt gives it its dark red colour. Vitamin B12 is necessary for normal nerve cell function and is involved in protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism. It helps the utilisation of iron in the body and aids folic acid in the synthesis of choline. It aids in the production of DNA and RNA, the body’s genetic material.