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 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 Ultra B-12 is also formulated with the entire B-Complex family of vitamins, which work together to support cellular energy production.  NOW Vitamin B-12 is vegetarian/vegan (non-animal derived).