Let’s talk about Vitamin B12

Let's talk about Vitamin B12

• It is an essential vitamin required for optimal function of the nervous system, the brain and can effect cognitive processes
• Involved in red blood cell development and anaemia prevention
• A deficiency in B12 can increase homocysteine levels, which may relate to a higher risk of dementia, heart disease and stroke
• It is a nutrient that is required for DNA synthesis and cell division
• B12 deficiency may cause fatigue, weight loss, muscle weakness, nausea and irritability
• It’s mainly found in animal foods like dairy produce, eggs, meat, fish and fortified cereals
• If vegan, it may be worth discussing with a consultant a supplementation of B12 as it limited in plant foods
• Check if some foods are enriched, like yeast extracts and soya products with B12
• Blood tests can be provided by a nutritional therapy practitioner to check for B12 deficiency if they are not included in a GP blood panel