Vitamin B12 is one of the eight B vitamins that play a vital role in keeping our body in top condition.

B12 is probably the most important; from fighting fatigue and keeping our body's nerves and blood cells healthy to producing DNA. Here we discover the benefits of this important vitamin.

Where can I find B12?

Your body doesn't produce vitamin B12, so it's important to get it from a balanced diet. Beef, pork, eggs, milk, cheese, and fish are all good sources of vitamin B12.

If you are a vegetarian or vegan, you may not be getting enough B12 because you are excluding those food groups. B12 is found in some breakfast cereals and nutritional yeast supplements.

What if I don't get enough B12?

The NHS recommends adults take a minimum of 1.5 mcg of vitamin B12 per day. This is easily accomplished through your diet since the body cannot produce B12 on its own. If you cannot reach these values, there is a risk of deficiency.

A lack of vitamin B12 can lead to a condition called anemia. Here you have fewer red blood cells than normal and you may experience these symptoms;

• Extreme tiredness
• lack of energy
• feeling of weakness
• A faint yellow glow on your skin
• sore red tongue
• If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see your doctor for a blood test.

How does B12 help?

Power

B12 contributes to the production of red blood cells which carry oxygen throughout our body. Oxygen travels from the lungs to the blood and flows to all of your vital organs: the brain, lungs, and muscles. If these organs don't get enough oxygen, they slow down and you experience fatigue and fatigue.

Digestion

Vitamin B12 is believed to aid in digestion and absorption of macronutrients.

Fats, proteins, and carbohydrates are all converted into energy by B12. Without the right amount of B12 in your diet, vital nutrients won't pass through your body and be absorbed into your bloodstream, leading to deficiency symptoms.

Focus on

B12 contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system, so it can help reduce the effects of stress and anxiety on the body.