Do you feel a little under the weather lately? Do you feel like your energy levels have dropped and like your memory is not as good as it used to be? That might mean you're not getting enough vitamin B12 with your diet.

Vitamin B12 is one of the most well-known B vitamins, extremely essential for the proper function and development of the body. Regular consumption of B12 could boost your memory, concentration, energy, and mood. 

If you want to learn more about the role of vitamin B12 in your body, continue reading to find out what it is, what's the average recommended intake, and which items are rich in it. 

What is vitamin B12?

Also known as cobalamin, B12 is an essential vitamin for good health. It allows your body to function properly by helping it convert the food into glucose and giving you energy.

Vitamin B12 is one of the eight B vitamins and it enables the proper function of the brain, nerves, blood cells, and many other parts of your body. It can be found in meat, dairy products, fish, but also in supplements.

Most people decide to increase the consumption of items rich in B12 vitamins due to a condition called vitamin B12 deficiency. Aside from treating vitamin B12 deficiency, this vitamin is also good for:

• keeping the body's nerve and blood cells healthy
• helping production of DNA, the hereditary material in all cells
• preventing megaloblastic anemia that can make people weak
• red blood cells formation
• regeneration of bone marrow

How much vitamin B12 Do You Need?

Your body doesn't produce vitamin B12 so it's essential to get it from food or supplements. So how much vitamin B12 should a person take?

Well, it mostly depends on your age, eating habits, and medical conditions. Most scientists agree it primarily depends on age. 

The average recommended amounts of vitamin B12 also vary by age:

• 0-6 months old: 0.4 micrograms (mcg)
• 7-12 months: 0.5 mcg
• 1-3 years: 0.9 mcg
• 4-8 years: 1.2 mcg
• 9-13 years: 1.8 mcg
• 14-18 years: 2.4 mcg
• 19+ years: 2.4 mcg
• pregnant women: 2.6 mcg
• breast-feeding women: 2.8 mcg

What foods are high in B12?

As we mentioned, your body can't make B12 on its own so you should consume foods and supplements that have it. 

You may increase the amount of B12 in your body by consuming foods and products rich in it, such as:

• Beef, liver, and chicken
• Dairy products such as low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese
• Fish such as trout, salmon, and tuna fish
• Fortified cereals
• Eggs
• Vitamin supplements

If you want to increase the amount of vitamin B12 in your diet, our Energy Booster Plus B12 Drops could be perfect for you! 

With 1 full dropper (1ml) per day, you can support your diet plan and give your body some extra energy*. Our B-12 vitamin drops could help with red blood cell formation and you might experience increased energy levels, better digestion, and an overall improvement in both your body and mind*.

Vitamin B-12's benefits go beyond metabolism and energy improvement. From potentially improving your bone health and fighting osteoporosis to reducing your risk of developing macular degeneration, these drops could be a game-changer for your health. 

Final thoughts on B12 vitamin

Whether you decide to eat foods that are naturally rich in vitamin B12 or to consume items that have been fortified with it, you may experience a significant increase in energy levels, better digestion, and faster metabolism. Vitamin B12 is a healthy nutrient that can do a lot of great things for your body.

If you're not sure what to take to treat your B12 deficiency, we suggest you talk to a professional so that you develop a suitable diet plan together.

FAQ: Everything you wanted to know about Vitamin B12

What is Vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that helps keep the body's nerve and blood cells healthy and helps make DNA, which is the genetic material in all cells. Vitamin B12 is found in almost all multivitamins supplements or with nutrients such as folic acid.

What foods are rich in vitamin B12?

You can get recommended amounts of vitamin B12 by eating a variety of foods including the following: liver and clams, which are the best sources of vitamin B12.

What are the different forms of vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 is also available in sublingual forms (which are dissolved under the tongue).

What is vitamin B12 deficiency?

Some people have trouble absorbing vitamin B12 from food which leads to their body not getting enough of it. 

What are the risks?

Certain groups may not get enough vitamin B12 or have trouble absorbing it. Many older adults do not have enough hydrochloric acid in their stomach to absorb the vitamin B12 which is naturally present in food.

Who should take B12 supplements?

People over 50 should get most of their vitamin B12 from fortified foods or dietary supplements.

Is vitamin B12 safe for vegans?

Yes. Since they can't get vitamin B12 on their own, it's important to consume supplements fortified with it.