Vitamin B12 and folate are necessary for normal red blood cell formation, tissue and cellular repair, homocysteine metabolism, and DNA synthesis.* A vitamin B12 and/or folate deficiency may indicate a chronic shortage of one or both of these vitamins. Vitamin B12 deficiency can manifest in varying degrees of mental changes such as confusion and irritability.* Certain prescription medications (for seizures, diabetes, arthritis, or cancer) can result in deficiencies of these important vitamins. Incidence of vitamin B12 and/or folate deficiency is high among the elderly. Pregnant women require increased amounts of folate for proper fetal development.* Women with a folate deficiency prior to pregnancy can expect the deficiency to be intensified during gestation. Thorne's B-Complex #12 supplies 300 mcg of adenosylcobalamin, 300 mcg of methylcobalamin, as well as 200 mcg of folinic acid, 200 mcg 5MTHF (both active forms of folate), and the bioactive forms of the other B vitamins in each capsule to ensure you get the most bioavailable B-complex available.* B Complex #12 also consists of a group of eight water-soluble compounds: thiamine (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), niacin (vitamin B3), pantothenic acid (vitamin B5), pyridoxine (vitamin B6), cobalamin (vitamin B12), folate, and biotin. Although each B vitamin is chemically distinct, they often work together in various biochemical functions throughout the body – from cellular energy production, to healthy red-blood-cell formation, to healthy neurological function.* Most B vitamins, with the exception of vitamin B12, are not stored in the body; consequently, they must be acquired daily from the diet in order to maintain optimal health.* Supplementing with active B vitamins is extremely important to everyone, especially individuals who may not be able to convert non-active vitamins to their active forms in the liver because of compromised liver function, poorly functioning enzymes, digestive disturbances, or age.* Dietary supplements containing these active cofactors have enhanced bioavailability, ensuring the body gets the nutrients it needs.*