Where is vitamin B12 found?
Vitamin B12 is essential for red blood cell production and nervous system function. It's primarily found in animal products, such as meat, fish, eggs, milk, and cheese. For this reason, it's often difficult for vegetarians or vegans to consume sufficient amounts of vitamin B12. The table below shows the main sources of vitamin B12. These are the foods richest in the nutrient.
| Food | Quantity | Vitamin B12 |
| Beef | 75 gr | 1.6 mcg |
| Pork | 75 gr | 0.3 mcg |
| Liver | 100 gr | 90 mcg |
| Chicken | 100 gr | 0.4 mcg |
| Salmon | 100 gr | 4.0 mcg |
| Tuna | 100 gr | 2.4 mcg |
| Trout | 100 gr | 8 mcg |
| Sardines | 100 gr | 12 mcg |
| Semi-skimmed milk | 150 ml | 0.7 mcg |
| Yogurt | 150 ml | 1.1 mcg |
| Cheese | 100 gr | 2.4 mcg |
| Egg | 50 gr | 0.8 mcg |
Which vegetables contain vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 is not found in fruits and vegetables. Some independent studies claim that vitamin B12 is found in bananas, kiwi, and mangoes, but this is untrue. It is also claimed that vitamin B12 is found in algae, but unfortunately, the body is unable to absorb this nutrient from algae.
Vitamin B12 for health
The answer to the question "Where is vitamin B12 found?" is quite extensive. However, vitamin B12 is essential for health. It contributes to various processes in the body.
- Blood: The vitamin contributes to the formation of red blood cells in the body.
- Cell division: It also promotes the production of cells and tissues, thus contributing to cell renewal.
- Energy: It helps release energy from fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. It plays a role in the activity of certain enzymes involved in energy metabolism.
- Homocysteine: Plays a beneficial role in the breakdown of homocysteine.
- Immune system: Supports the immune system and helps ensure good resistance.
- Psychological function: It is good for mood, learning performance, concentration and memory.
- Fatigue: It can help reduce lack of energy due to fatigue.
- Nervous system: It has a positive effect on the functioning of the nervous system.
Vitamin B12 deficiency
What are the symptoms of a vitamin B12 deficiency? A vitamin B12 deficiency can cause a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, weakness, constipation, loss of appetite, weight loss, and megaloblastic anemia. A vitamin B12 deficiency can also lead to neurological problems, such as memory loss, mood swings, and paranoia.
How do you get more vitamin B12?
The best way to prevent a vitamin B12 deficiency and increase your vitamin B12 intake is to follow a healthy diet with foods rich in vitamin B12, such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products. However, this isn't possible for everyone, and vitamin B12 supplements can be a solution.