The human body uses the vitamin B12 for almost every cellular process. Recent research has determined that boosting one’s levels of the vitamin may reduce the likelihood of developing neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease.

Published in the journal Neurology, the study involved taking blood samples from mature adults over the age of 65 and analyzing them for their homocysteine content.

Homocysteine is an amino acid whose production is linked to vitamin B12. Too much homocysteine in the blood can indicate a vitamin B12 deficiency.

The amino acid’s excess presence has also been linked to the increased risk for developing Alzheimer’s disease, which is an irreversible degenerative brain condition.

The study’s authors found that one micromolar increase in the amount of B12 in the blood decreased the risk of the condition by 16 percent.

They concluded that B12 is likely vital for preserving memory and neural health.

Individuals who take vitamin supplements may notice improvements in health and wellbeing, since the vitamin is vital to the body’s cellular functions.

Individuals should consume 4 micrograms of vitamin B12 each day, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.