Vitamin B12 is needed by everybody, but it’s a real problem for those following a vegan or vegetarian diet, as there isn’t a source of it in those diets. Vitamin B12 is vital for healthy blood cells, supporting the nervous and digestive systems, and for energy. It’s what the body needs to convert carbohydrate into glucose, and therefore the energy for our bodies to use. Being deficient in Vitamin B12 can cause anaemia, nerve damage, heart diseases, problems conceiving or during pregnancy, and many other ailments. The common advice for vegans and vegetarians is get a Vitamin B12 supplement.

Whilst all vitamins and nutrients are important, Vitamin B12 has a vital role for our bodies.

Vitamin B12 works with our body to support growth, development as well as cognitive brain function and the nervous system. Not only does it do all of this, but it also supports red blood cell formation, which then helps the body to carry oxygen to its tissues and organs.

Vitamin B12 is also an essential vitamin that our body can’t produce on its own. We need to get it from our diets or from Vitamin B12 tablets or B12 supplements.