From supporting your nervous system to reducing tiredness and fatigue, vitamin B12 has plenty of health benefits. It's particularly crucial for those following plant-based diets and older adults. Find premium Vitamin B12 tablets to support your energy, brain function and overall health.
Vitamin B12: Energy, nerve function and overall health
What does Vitamin B12 do, and why do we need it?
Vitamin B12, also called cobalamin, is an essential nutrient your body relies on for many important functions. It supports a healthy nervous system, boosts energy, helps make healthy red blood cells, supports brain function, and plays a crucial role in DNA synthesis.
Unlike many other nutrients, your body cannot effectively produce or store vitamin B12. This makes it essential to obtain this nutrient through your diet or supplements – particularly important since natural B12 is found primarily in animal products.
Most people who eat a balanced diet including meat, fish and dairy get enough B12. However, you may need supplements if you follow a plant-based diet, are over 50, or have specific medical conditions that affect nutrient absorption.
If your B12 levels are too low, you may experience fatigue, muscle weakness, stomach problems, nerve damage, vision problems, and mood changes. Without enough B12, your body cannot make enough healthy red blood cells, which can also lead to anaemia, so it’s important to make sure you're getting sufficient levels.
What foods are rich in vitamin B12?
You'll find vitamin B12 in animal products like meat, salmon, cod, dairy products including milk, cheese and eggs. If you eat plenty of these foods, you're likely getting enough B12 from your diet.
However, since B12 isn't found naturally in plant foods, if you're vegan or vegetarian, you need to get vitamin B12 from fortified foods (such as breakfast cereals and soy products), or daily supplements.
The NHS recommends that adults aged 19-64 need about 1.5 micrograms of B12 daily.
Who should take a Vitamin B12 supplement?
Most people get enough Vitamin B12 from a balanced diet. However, if you follow a plant-based diet, are over 50, or have medical conditions that affect nutrient absorption, such as celiac disease or Crohn's disease, supplements can be beneficial.
As we age, our bodies become less efficient at absorbing B12, which is why older adults are particularly at risk of deficiency. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should also consider B12 supplements, especially if they follow a plant-based diet.
If you're pregnant and concerned about your B12 levels, speak with your GP, as low levels may increase your baby's risk of neural defects.
Our premium Vitamin B12 supplements come in a variety of forms to suit your preferences, including tablets, oral sprays, flavoured sachets, chewable tablets, and liquids. You can also explore our Vitamin B complex supplements that combine all eight essential B vitamins to support your overall health.
Sources
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamin-b12-or-folate-deficiency-anaemia/treatment/
https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthy-aging-and-longevity/should-you-take-a-vitamin-b12-supplement
