What is Vitamin B12? It happens to be an essential vitamin that the body needs in order to function properly, but the catch is that it cannot be produced on its own. Since it is found primarily in food items containing meat or is derived from animal products, vegans are usually the people who have a deficiency of this vitamin. A deficiency in Vitamin B12 if left unaddressed for long can lead to serious physical and mental health problems.
Harley Street nutritionist Rhiannon Lambert says, "It is especially needed to prevent anaemia and maintaining a healthy nervous system." "It's important for vitamin B12 deficiency to be diagnosed and treated as soon as possible," Lambert adds. "Although many of the symptoms improve with treatment, some problems caused by the condition can be irreversible if left untreated. The longer the condition goes untreated, the higher the chance of permanent damage," she adds.
A number of plant-based foods, such as soya, rice milk, oat milk, nut milks, are often fortified with vitamin B12 but one needs to check the label to make sure that a fortified variety is chosen. Otherwise, Vitamin B12 is naturally found in animal products such as meat, milk, cheese and eggs. So, consult your dietician and figure out the best way to ingest Vitamin B12. Stay tuned for more updates.
