
- Nutritional Yeast.
- Marmite + Yeast Spreads.
- Fortified Soy + Almond Milk.
- Plant-Based Meats.
- Fortified Cereals.
- Tempeh.
- Chlorella.
- Nori Seaweed.
Is vitamin B12 really a problem in a vegetarian diet?
Very low B12 intakes can cause anemia and nervous system damage. The only reliable vegan sources of B12 are foods fortified with B12 (including some plant milks, some soy products and some breakfast cereals) and B12 supplements, such as our very own VEG 1.
What can vegetarians eat for a substitute of B12?
Vegetarian and vegan sources of B-12
- List of B-12 foods for vegetarians. Nutritional yeast is a flavorful and versatile source of vitamin B-12 that is suitable for both vegetarians and vegans.
- B-12 foods for vegans. ...
- Vitamin B-12 health benefits. ...
- B-12 deficiency symptoms. ...
- Takeaway. ...
What drinks are high in B12?
What Juice Is Good for B-12 Deficiency?
- B-12 Facts. Vitamin B-12, also called cobalimin, is a water-soluble vitamin, which means that your body can't store it for later use.
- Sources of Vitamin B-12. Vitamin B-12 is not naturally found in plants; it can only be obtained from animal sources, supplements or fortified foods.
- Folate. ...
- Tips and Hints. ...
What is the best food for B12?
Which vegetable is rich in vitamin B12?
- Salmon. This all-around nutritious fish is high in several B vitamins. …
- Leafy Greens. Several leafy greens stand out for their folate (B9) content. …
- Liver and Other Organ Meats. …
- Eggs. …
- Milk. …
- Beef. …
- Oysters, Clams and Mussels. …
- Legumes.

How do vegetarians get vitamin B12?
The only reliable vegan sources of B12 are foods fortified with B12 (including some plant milks, some soy products and some breakfast cereals) and B12 supplements, such as our very own VEG 1. Vitamin B12, whether in supplements, fortified foods, or animal products, comes from micro-organisms.
What should we eat in deficiency of vitamin B12 vegetarian?
List of B-12 foods for vegetariansyogurt.low-fat milk.fortified plant-based milk.cheese.eggs.fortified cereals.nutritional yeast.
What foods are high in B12 for vegetarians?
Vitamin B12 Rich Foods: Here're 5 Vegetarian Food Options For You:Spinach: Known to be a superfood, spinach is a storehouse of nutrients that help you with overall growth. ... Beetroot: Besides being enriched with iron, beetroots are also known to be storehouse of vitamin B12. ... Chickpeas: ... Yogurt: ... Whey:
Which fruits and vegetables have vitamin B12?
Good sources of vitamin B12Animal liver and kidneys. Organ meats are some of the most nutrient-packed foods. ... Clams. Clams are small, chewy shellfish that are packed with nutrients. ... Sardines. Sardines are small, soft-boned saltwater fish. ... Beef. ... Fortified cereal. ... Tuna. ... Fortified nutritional yeast. ... Trout.More items...
How can I increase my B12 levels quickly?
To increase the amount of vitamin B12 in your diet, eat more of foods that contain it, such as:Beef, liver, and chicken.Fish and shellfish such as trout, salmon, tuna fish, and clams.Fortified breakfast cereal.Low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese.Eggs.
Is spinach rich in vitamin B12?
3 days agoGreen veggies, especially spinach, are the best option to add vitamin B12 to your plate. Spinach is also rich in nutrients – including Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K, iron, folate, and potassium – however, it contains a lot of fiber, which can cause gas.
What happens if B12 is low?
Constipation, diarrhea, loss of appetite, or gas. Nerve problems like numbness or tingling, muscle weakness, and problems walking. Vision loss. Mental problems like depression, memory loss, or behavioral changes.
What food is highest in B12?
This is how much B12 you'll find in a 3-ounce serving of these foods:Cooked clams: 84.1 micrograms.Steamed mussels: 20.4 micrograms.Cooked Atlantic mackerel: 16.1 micrograms.Steamed Alaska king crab: 9.8 micrograms.Cooked wild rainbow trout 5.4 micrograms.Cooked salmon: 2.4 micrograms.
How long does it take to recover from B12 deficiency?
Once you begin treating your vitamin B12 deficiency, it can take up to six to 12 months to fully recover. It is also common to not experience any improvement during the first few months of treatment. If you can, it's a good idea to address what's causing the deficiency.
Do bananas have a lot of B12?
"It contains high amounts of vitamin B6 and B12, as well as magnesium and potassium.
What helps B12 absorption?
In the stomach, hydrochloric acid and enzymes unbind vitamin B12 into its free form. From there, vitamin B12 combines with a protein called intrinsic factor so that it can be absorbed further down in the small intestine. Supplements and fortified foods contain B12 in its free form, so they may be more easily absorbed.
Do vegetarians have B12 deficiency?
Vegetarians are at risk for vitamin B(12) (B12) deficiency due to suboptimal intake.
What food is highest in B12?
This is how much B12 you'll find in a 3-ounce serving of these foods:Cooked clams: 84.1 micrograms.Steamed mussels: 20.4 micrograms.Cooked Atlantic mackerel: 16.1 micrograms.Steamed Alaska king crab: 9.8 micrograms.Cooked wild rainbow trout 5.4 micrograms.Cooked salmon: 2.4 micrograms.
Which Indian foods are rich in vitamin B12?
Important:Milk and Cheese. Apart from being rich in many other vitamins and minerals, milk and cheese are one of the best and most widely found vitamin B12 foods vegetarian in India. ... Fortified Foods: ... Yoghurt. ... Paneer. ... Whey Powder. ... Shiitake Mushrooms.
Do almonds have B12?
Foods that are sometimes fortified and may contain vitamin B12 in varying amounts include: plant milk, such as soy, almond, oat, cashew, and coconut milk.
What is Vitamin B12?
What is Vitamin B12? Let’s start off by talking about what vitamin B12 is and why it’s so important.
11 Best Vitamin B12 Foods for Vegetarians
Without further ado, here are our 11 best vitamin B12 foods for vegetarians.
Conclusion: Vitamin B12 Foods for Vegetarians
Vitamin B12 is a vital nutrient for our bodies to function and thrive.
What are some good foods to eat with B12?
For vegetarians looking to increase their vitamin B12 intake, there are a variety of options. Some good choices for B-12 include : yogurt. low-fat milk. fortified plant-based milk. cheese. eggs. fortified cereals. nutritional yeast.
What is the best source of vitamin B12?
Share on Pinterest. Fortified cereals and non-dairy milks provide a plant-based source of vitamin B-12. Ensuring a person includes enough vitamin B-12 in their diet is essential for optimum health. The health benefits of the vitamin include: the formation and division of red blood cells. protecting the nervous system.
What vitamins do vegans need?
Because vegans avoid all animal-derived products, they may rely on vitamin B-12 fortified foods, such as certain breakfast cereals and nutritional yeast. Plant foods do not produce vitamin B-12, so it is vital that vegans find alternative sources of vitamin B12 to remain in the best health.
How much vitamin B12 is in a cup of milk?
1 cup of low-fat milk can provide 1.2 mcg of vitamin B-12. 1 oz of Swiss cheese can contain 0.95 mcg of vitamin B-12. 1 large egg contains 0.6 mcg of vitamin B-12. Fortified cereals are a good choice as they have high bioavailability.
How much B12 is in yogurt?
It is vital to understand how much vitamin B-12 these foods contain: 8 ounces (oz) of yogurt contains about 1.1 mcg of vitamin B-12. 1 cup of low-fat milk can provide 1.2 mcg of vitamin B-12.
What are the symptoms of a B12 deficiency?
Common problems associated with vitamin B-12 deficiency include anemia, certain neurological disorders, and reduced growth and healing. Common symptoms of a vitamin B-12 deficiency include: nerve damage.
What are the symptoms of a lack of vitamin B12?
pale skin. loss of appetite. tinnitus (ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds in the ears) A person who experiences these symptoms should make an appointment with their doctor. The doctor will ask about their symptoms and perform tests to determine whether a lack of vitamin B-12 is the cause.
What are the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency?
Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency, which usually come on gradually, include fatigue, weakness, nausea, and constipation. Long-term and severe vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to nerve changes such as numbness, tingling in the hands and feet, balance and memory problems, and depression. A blood test is the best way to test for vitamin B12 ...
Is B12 found in plant food?
Unlike some other B vitamins, B12 is not found in any plant food other than fortified cereals. It is, however, abundant in many meats and fish, and in smaller amounts in milk and eggs. This makes it difficult for people following a strict vegetarian diet to get the necessary amount of vitamin B12.
Can vegetarians get vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 Deficiency Seen in All Types of Vegetarians. June 18, 2003 -- Researchers have long known that a strict vegetarian diet -- one that excludes all animal products -- can lead to vitamin B-12 deficiency, and possibly heart disease. Now, new research suggests that even those who follow a more lenient vegetarian diet are also at risk.
Top Vitamin B12 Foods For Vegetarians
Although it may be challenging to obtain sufficient dietary vitamin B-12 if you do not eat animal products, supplementation and foods fortified with the vitamin can help to address deficiencies.
Vitamin B-12 Deficiency In Vegetarians And Vegans
Vitamin B-12 is an essential nutrient needed for blood formation, cell division, growth, neurological function, carbohydrate metabolism and protein synthesis. Vitamin B-12 is unique among other vitamins because it contains a metal ion at its active centre, cobalt, and the human body cannot make it (17).
Causes Of Vitamin B-12 Deficiency In Vegetarians And Vegans
Vitamin B-12 deficiency may develop when people do not consume enough vitamin B-12 or when their bodies cannot absorb the vitamin properly. There are several reasons why this might be the case.
Some Clues That You Might Be Vitamin B-12 Deficient
You might be showing symptoms of a vitamin B-12 deficiency if you experience (15):
Health Benefits Of B-12
Consuming vitamin B12 is essential to your diet. Vitamin B12 contributes to vital functions in your body, including (17):
Conclusion
Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that is essential for your health, and many people benefit from consuming more of it. Vegans and vegetarians should follow a diet that includes vitamin B12 foods to help ensure they get enough of this important nutrient. Among the best vegetarian sources of vitamin B12 are shellfish (if pescatarian), eggs, and milk.
What is the best source of vitamin B12 for vegans?
Best vegan sources of vitamin B12. Vegetarians who eat eggs and dairy products can get enough B12 from those animal-based foods. Vegans, on the other hand, will have to lean on plant-based foods like: fungi. yeast.
How many vegetarians are deficient in B12?
11–90% of older adult vegetarians were deficient. Check in with a doctor and have them request blood work and assess you for vitamin B12 deficiency. It’s totally treatable, and long-term complications are less likely if you’re treated early.
Why does B12 matter?
Why does vitamin B12 matter? Your body needs B12 for DNA health, making red blood cells, and neurological function. Too little B12 and you’re at risk of developing pernicious anemia (more on that in a second). You can stick to your veg diet and get enough B12 if you know what to munch on.
What happens if you don't have enough B12?
Without it, you face pernicious anemia. The main sign of pernicious anemia is fatigue because you don’t have enough healthy red blood cells to deliver oxygen throughout the body. Other complications of B12 deficiency are neurological disorders and poor cell division.
How much B12 is in a shitake mushroom?
Research shows some mushrooms (shitake, black trumpet, golden chanterelles, Lion’s mane) contain B12. This study estimates you would have to eat 50 grams of shitake mushrooms to get your daily dose of B12. If that sounds like quite a mouthful, remember you don’t have to get all your B12 from one food.
What is nutritional yeast?
Nutritional yeast is one of those magical ingredients you can add to food for a nutrition and flavor boost. Some say it tastes cheesy, but it’s totally veg-friendly. B12 and other B vitamins are usually added, making it a great way to meet your daily needs.
Can vegetarians eat eggs?
Dairy and eggs are a good option for vegetarians who eat those foods, but it’s also possible to get enough B12 from foods like seaweed, mushrooms, nutritional yeast, and fortified cereals. While B12 deficiency can have serious health consequences, it’s easy to identify and treat.
What are the best sources of bioavailable B12?
What are The Best Plant Sources of Bioavailable B12? Vegetarian B12 supplements. Nori. Mushrooms. Chlorella tablets. Closing thoughts. There aren’t a lot of things the nutrition world agrees on, but this may be one of them: vegetarians, and especially vegans, have a tough time getting enough Vitamin B12.
Why is B12 important for health?
Because high dose B12 over extended periods of time has been linked to an increased risk of cancer, finding plant foods that can “top off” your B12 levels will be key. In addition, maintaining or restoring gut health is a top priority as the state of your microbiome will affect absorption.
What vitamins are deficient in Spectracell?
According to SpectraCell, which measure for nutrient absorption at the cellular level, I was deficient in zinc, oleic acid and omega 3 fatty acids, and borderline deficient in many B vitamins, including B12.
Where does B12 come from?
Vitamin B12 is essential nutrient that, for the most part, only comes from animal sources, such as eggs, chicken, beef, and dairy products. Even Vegan advocates in documentaries like The Game Changers concede that Vegans will do best if they take supplemental B12.
Is B12 bioavailable?
Many of the reputed natural, plant based sources of B12 are actually paper tigers in that they appear to offer B12, but the form of B12 they contain isn’t usable, or “bioavailable” for humans. For example, using chromatography testing, researchers have isolated plant compounds in algae and mushrooms that are known as “corrinoid compounds,” which mimic B12, but which are inactive in humans. 3
Can B12 deficiency cause memory loss?
Symptoms of B12 deficiency. If you’re not getting enough B12, you likely won’t feel your best. B12 deficiency can trigger symptoms such as anxiety, problems with sleep, low energy and even memory loss. However, a true B12 deficiency is tough to identify and can take years to develop. In my case, I was somewhat low on B12 before I experienced ...
Does Nori have B12?
Note: only two species of Nori contain bioavailable B12: dried green laver ( Enteromorpha sp.) and purple laver ( Porphyra sp.) To quote this article on vegetarian nutrition that appeared in the Journal Nutrients, most other forms of algae have only trace amounts, if any, B12:

Diet
Benefits
- Fortified foods are easy for your body to digest as they have high bioavailability. This means that they do not have to be broken down by your body before they can be absorbed. Rather, they are used right away. This will help your body get more vitamin B-12.
Uses
- One study links purple laver, or nori, as a good source of vitamin B-12. This algae product is commonly eaten in Asian countries. The study recommends eating 4 grams of dried purple laver to meet the daily requirements for vitamin B-12 intake. You may find this product in Asian food markets. It is used in sushi and may be a healthy and simple snack on its own.
Risks
- Like nori, some mushrooms like shitake contain vitamin B-12, which is rare in plant-based foods. It is likely that these fungi cannot supply your entire B-12 dietary needs each day, but it may be a good source sometimes.
Preparation
- Mushrooms can be incorporated into cooking for a tasty lunch or dinner. Keep in mind you would need to consume 50 grams of dried shitake mushrooms to meet your daily requirements of vitamin B-12.
Results
- You dont need a lot of vitamin B-12 to maintain these important body functions. Your daily intake of vitamin B-12 should be around 2.4 micrograms per day if youre an adult. Children require less vitamin B-12. For example, an infant between 7 and 12 months requires only .5 micrograms per day. A child between 4 and 8 years old needs only 1.2 micrograms per day.
Health
- Maintaining a proper level of vitamin B-12 is essential for vegetarians to ensure their bodies function properly. One study examined B-12 deficiencies among particular populations that included pregnant women (62 percent had a deficiency), children (between 25 percent and 86 percent had a deficiency), adolescents (between 21 percent and 41 percent with a deficiency), a…
Prognosis
- Common complications and conditions caused by a deficiency of B-12 include anemia, neurological disorders, and the inability for cells to divide.
Symptoms
- If you do not have enough vitamin B-12 in your body, you may also experience the following symptoms:
Diagnosis
- If you experience these symptoms, talk to your doctor. Your doctor may need to perform some texts to determine if your B-12 levels are normal.
Prevention
- Vegetarians and vegans should always be mindful of their B-12 intake. This is a vitamin that is very important to the body and may be lacking in those who do not eat meat. You can get vitamin B-12 from animal-derived foods like dairy and eggs or from fortified foods. Mushrooms and algae can even cover your B-12 intake on some occasions. Make sure you discuss ways to add B-12 in…