Why Trust Us
Disclosure
Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin for health. It’s famous for being the vitamin that vegans don’t get enough of, but it’s not just vegans who need to keep an eye on their B12 intake. Many people with meat and dairy diets aren’t consuming enough B12. DOSE explains how to know if you’re not getting enough B12 in your diet and how to ensure you stay on top of it.
Can Non-vegans Have A B12 Deficiency?
Most people know that meat contains B12. However, this is because most animals are fed supplements. It originally comes from bacteria in soil and water. Anyone can be at risk of a deficiency. Unsustainable farming can lead to soil not having the right nutrients and many foods not containing as many nutrients and vitamins as they should.
Symptoms Of A B12 Deficiency To Look Out For
1. Is Your Tongue Looking A Bit Odd?
Your tongue is a great indicator of knowing if you have a deficiency, as it can become pale, yellow, sore or red.
2. Are The Hours You’ve Spent In The Sun Not Making Your Tan Any Better?
Frequent pale and yellow looking skin is a common symptom. However, this can be a sign of many other illnesses so make sure to visit your doctor.
3. Pins And Needles Ruining Your Chill Time?
Another symptom to look out for is frequent pins and needles. One of the most frustrating side effects on b12 deficiency, resulting from nerve damage triggered by low oxygen levels in your cells. But don’t worry, supplements can easily get rid of them.
4. Second Guessing Your Glasses Prescription?
A symptom of a B12 deficiency is blurred or disturbed vision. This is a result of damage to the optic nerve that leads to your eyes. The damage can disrupt the nervous signal that travels from your eye to your brain, impairing your vision. This condition is known as optic neuropathy.
5. Are You Forgetting Where You Put Your Keys?
Or not remembering if you’ve fed the dog? A decline in mental abilities such as memory, judgement and understanding are symptoms of a b12 deficiency.
6. Feeling Weak And Tired?
Although the average work week can leave us feeling too tired to tidy the flat or wash the dishes. It can also be a sign that you’re not getting enough B12.
7. Walking Weirdly?
A B12 deficiency can damage your nervous system and cause changes to how you move. Including walking, balancing and coordination. Making it difficult to enjoy physical activities.
How To Take More Vitamin B12
If you’re not getting enough B12, supplements are the way forward. It’s easy to add supplements to your morning routine, from sprays to tablets, the options are endless. Below are our favourite supplements.
1. Omvits Vegan Vitamin B12 Tablets
These Omvits tablets are a natural ‘active’ form of Methylcobalamin, which is the form needed by the human body. They’re easily absorbed and retained than the cheaper Cyanocobalamin used in most supplements. They deliver a safe 1000 microgram dose of pure, high-quality and bioavailable, giving your body the best chance of optimal absorption and retention. One packet can last up to 6 months, giving you high-quality B12 for just 7p per day. Their pouches are 100% plastic-free, biodegradable, compostable and recyclable! And palm oil, sugar and flavouring free.
2. Bio-Kult Boosted
Bio-Kult Boosted is a unique multi-strain live bacteria supplement with the same great 14 strains of live bacteria found in Bio-Kult Advanced but at 4 times the concentration. They also contains vitamin B12 to support the immune system. Adults and children 12+: Take 1 capsule daily, with food.
3. BetterYou Boost Daily Vitamins B12 Oral spray
BetterYou Pure Energy B12 Boost oral spray delivers 1200µg of B12 along with 100% of your recommended amount of chromium. Clinically proven superior absorption to traditional tablets and capsules, this oral spray combination is delivered directly into the mouth, quickly entering the bloodstream for the ultimate in bio-availability and convenience.
4. New Leaf B12 Tablets
The New Leaf vitamin B 12 supplements are 100% vegan and gluten free, suitable for people with dietary restrictions. Manufactured in the UK, they’re GMO free and only contain ingredients that are good for you. Take 1 a day. Last up to 6 months. They have a time release formula for max absorption throughout the day.
Enjoyed this article? Read What Happens To Your Body When You Stop Eating Meat.
By Demi
Get your weekly DOSE fix here: SIGN UP FOR OUR NEWSLETTER.
Born and bred in London and an avid vegan, Demi has explored most of the hidden vegan spots in London and is on a mission to try them all. Her experience working for wellness and vegan startups has enhanced her passion for health trends and vegan food. Her time is mostly spent in vintage stores, painting or cleaning her growing sneaker collection. Her next goal is to earn her scuba diving license and hopefully explore oceans all around the world.
