Vitamin B-12 is a water-soluble vitamin necessary for the maintenance of a healthy nervous system and for the metabolic utilization of fats and proteins. Vitamin B-12 is also essential for the synthesis of DNA during cell division and therefore is especially important for rapidly multiplying cells, such as red blood cells. In addition, adequate intake of Vitamin B-12, along with Folic Acid and Vitamin B-6, encourages healthy serum homocysteine levels, thereby supporting cardiovascular health. Because Vitamin B-12 is found predominantly in animal products, strict vegetarians are at risk of developing Vitamin B-12 deficiency and may benefit from supplementation. NOW&ampreg; Ultra B-12 is also formulated with the entire B-Complex family of vitamins, which work together to support cellular energy production.* NOW&ampreg; Vitamin B-12 is vegetarian/vegan (non-animal derived).