Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that is important for your blood cells, nervous system, and DNA synthesis. It is naturally found primarily in animal foods such as fish, meat, eggs, poultry, and dairy. Therefore, if you follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, you are at greater risk of deficiency, and we recommend considering a B12 supplement as no vegan foods are naturally a significant source of B12. The upside is that "many vegan foods are fortified with B-12, including nutritional yeast and some plant milks, but supplementation makes it easier,” says Anna Titcomb, MS, RD, CSSD.
Some common signs of B12 deficiency to look for include fatigue, heart palpitations, pale skin, or tingling in the hands and feet. While it can take years for a deficiency to form, if you are starting a vegan diet, it can help to begin supplementing early. There are various types of B12 you might see in supplements or multivitamins, though you'll most commonly see B12 in the form of cyanocobalamin.
When looking for a B12 supplement, consider whether you want a supplement with only B12 or a multivitamin that includes other nutrients important for vegans and vegetarians, such as vitamin D, omega-3 fats, iron, calcium, iodine, zinc, and selenium. You will also want to consider a dose appropriate for your needs and whether you prefer supplements in pill, spray, or sublingual (under the tongue) form.
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Editor's Note
For those taking gastric acid inhibitors (such as omeprazole, lansoprazole, cimetidine, or ranitidine), metformin, and other medications, B12 supplementation may interfere.
Always speak with a healthcare professional before adding a supplement to your routine to ensure that the supplement is appropriate for your individual needs, and to find out what dosage to take.