Despite there being a total of eight B vitamins that make up the vitamin B-complex, vitamin B12 is the one most often talked about. Responsible for many functions in the body, including keeping the body’s blood and nerve cells healthy, it’s important to understand what vitamin B12 is and why we need this essential B vitamin.
In this article, discover everything you need to know about vitamin B12, from the benefits of vitamin B12 to foods rich in vitamin B12, in addition to the vitamin B12 supplements you can incorporate into your routine.
What is Vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 plays an essential role in creating red blood cells, which can help support the transportation of iron and oxygen around the body. Vitamin B12 can also contribute to the normal functioning of the nervous system, which may help to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety in the body.
As the body can’t produce vitamin B12 on its own, we need to ensure we are getting enough of this essential vitamin through our diet or by taking vitamin B12 supplements.
Foods Rich in Vitamin B12
We can maintain sufficient levels of vitamin B12 through our diet alone. As vitamin B12 is mostly found in animal products, vegetarians or those following a plant-based diet may experience symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency and may wish to consider taking supplements. Foods rich in vitamin B12 include:
- Eggs
- Yoghurt
- Salmon
- Beef
- Shellfish
- Fortified Cereal
What Happens When Your Vitamin B12 is Low?
Found in animal products, it is more common to have vitamin B12 deficiency as a vegetarian or vegan. Low levels of vitamin B12 can result in:
- Tiredness and fatigue
- Lethargy
- Breathlessness
- Feeling faint
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, a great way to support your vitamin B12 levels is by introducing vitamin B12 supplements or by consuming more vitamin B12 foods.
Why Vitamin B12 is Important
There are many benefits of vitamin B12 for your overall health and wellbeing. Get to know how vitamin B12 can benefit you and your health below:
1) It May Boost Energy
Vitamin B12 is needed to help produce red blood cells in our body. As they play a vital role in carrying oxygen around the body, you may feel tired or fatigued with a lower red blood cell count. Supporting your red blood cells with vitamin B12 can help encourage oxygen flow around the body and give you an energy boost.
2) It May Promote Healthier Skin
As this essential vitamin plays a crucial role in cell production, vitamin B12 can be known to help support the reproduction of your skin cells and promote the overall appearance of your skin.
3) It May Improve Your Mood
Serotonin, often referred to as the ‘happy hormone’, is a chemical responsible for regulating your mood. Vitamin B12 is needed to help produce this hormone, meaning that this essential vitamin can help to boost your mood too.
4) It May Support Your Bone Health
As we age, our bone density can decline, resulting in weak and brittle bones. Vitamin B12 can help support your bone mineral density and prevent this decline from happening. Support your bone health by maintaining your vitamin B12 levels through your diet or supplements.
Vitamin B12 Supplements
At Garden of Life, we have a wide range of vitamin B12 supplements to support your health and wellbeing, as well as a variety of multivitamins that contain this essential vitamin. From 100% vegan vitamin B12 spray to vitamin B12 capsules, there are multiple formulas for you to choose from.
Our Organics Vitamin B12 Spray is available in a delicious raspberry flavour that delivers 500mcg of vitamin B12 per spray to support your health and wellbeing. Made with only the finest whole food ingredients, this super convenient vegan vitamin spray makes taking your supplements super quick and easy.
