Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is one of the many types of B vitamins. Each one performs a different role within the body, with B12 responsible for a handful of everyday functions.

Our bodies are unable to produce vitamin B12 themselves or store it for long periods of time. Most people should get all the vitamin B12 they need through what they eat; however, it may sometimes be necessary to boost your intake with some vitamin B12 supplements.

Vitamin B12 helps the body in a number of different ways, most notably by supporting  the nervous system and the formation of red blood cells. 

Getting enough vitamin B12 is especially essential for those who are:

Pregnant – Expecting mothers should ensure they get enough vitamin B12 as when combined with folic acid (also known as vitamin B9), it’s thought to reduce the risk of unborn babies developing spinal or central nervous system defects.

Over 50 – As you get older, it can become much more difficult for your body to absorb vitamin B12 from food which is why a supplement is often needed.

Vegan – As vitamin B12 is present in the highest amounts in meat and dairy products, it’s not uncommon for those who follow a vegan diet to be deficient.

Ideally, you should be getting about 1.5mg of vitamin B12 each day, whether that’s through your diet alone or a combination of food and supplements.

Getting the correct amount of vitamin B12 each and every day may have the following benefits:

• Contribute to energy yielding metabolism  from food when it’s digested.
• Helping your nervous system function  correctly.
• Ensure oxygen can travel freely around the body by supporting the formation of red blood cells
• Can help reduce feelings of tiredness and fatigue

While a large chunk of vitamin B12 foods tend to be meat, fish or dairy, there are a few items suitable for vegetarians and vegans which are rich in this must-have nutrient. These include:

• Fortified breakfast cereals – vitamin B12 is not found naturally in grains and pulses, so it’s often added into certain products.
• Fortified plant milks – similarly, some milks (especially soy) are fortified with vitamin B12.
• Shitake mushrooms – studies show that B12 is present in small amounts in certain mushrooms, including shitake.

It’s always worth checking the backs of packets to see whether they’ve been fortified with B12 or not.

You can also shop the following range of brilliant vitamin B12 supplements! Choose from vitamin B12 tablets and capsules, as well as vitamin B12 liquids and sprays.