
Vitamin B12 is a water soluble vitamin that plays numerous roles in the body including:
- Formation of blood cells
- Nerve function
- Cognitive health
- DNA synthesis
- Energy metabolism
- Bone health
- Mood balance
- Cancer prevention

Of note, despite many claims, unless there is a true Vitamin B12 deficiency, Vitamin B12 supplementation has not been found to boost energy or athletic performance.
2.4 mcg daily is the Recommend Dietary Allowance (RDI) of Vitamin B12 for Males and Non- Pregnant Females.

Most adults are able to obtain enough Vitamin B12 through their diet, but there are certain risk factors for Vitamin B12 deficiency. These include:
- Older adults
- Vegetarians
- Vegans
- Those with Pernicious Anemia
- Those with intestinal malabsorption disorders
- Those who have had gastrointestinal surgery
- Those taking certain medications such as Metformin, Proton Pump Inhibitors, Colchicine, Aminosalicylic acid and Vitamin C Supplementation.

Signs and symptoms of Vitamin B12 deficiency include:
- Anemia
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Constipation
- Loss of Appetite
- Weight Loss
- Numbness and tingling of the hands and feet
- Difficulty with balance
- Depression
- Confusion
- Memory Loss
- Sore tongue
- Sore Mouth

There are numerous food sources of Vitamin B12. The highest amounts are found in animal products, which is why vegans and vegetarians are often deficient. Here are some ideas of ways to add vitamin B12 to your diet.

- Fish
- Clams
- Cod
- Trout
- Mussels
- Rockfish
- Salmon
- Sardines
- Scallops
- Shrimp
- Tuna
- Chicken
- Turkey
- Beef
- Lamb
- Liver
- Ham
- Pork
- Eggs
- Milk
- Cheese
- Yogurt
- Eggs
- Fortified nutritional yeasts
- Fortified breakfast cereals

As you can see, there are many options to get your started today!
Try my simple scallop recipe to get you started!
Wondering what your vitamin status is? Check out ROOTINE.
This article is for information purposes only and is not medical advice. Consult with your medical provider prior to any lab testing, diet changes or new supplement/medication.
References:
Institute of Functional Medicine Fact Sheet. Micronutrients: Vitamins. Accessed 2020
Mayoclinic.org. Vitamin B12. Mayo Clinic Staff. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements-vitamin-b12/art-20363663. Accessed 2020.
National Institutes of Health- Office of Dietary Supplements. Vitamin B12. Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-HealthProfessional/
Uptodate.com. Pazirandeh et al. Introduction to Water Soluble Vitamins. September 2020.
All photos used with permission from Snappa.com
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