How can I get vitamin B12 naturally?
Daniel Johnson
Updated on May 20, 2026
Vitamin B12 is naturally present in foods of animal origin, including fish, meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products [5]. In addition, fortified breakfast cereals and fortified nutritional yeasts are readily available sources of vitamin B12 that have high bioavailability [12,13].
How can I increase my B12 naturally?
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.
What fruits and vegetables are high in vitamin B12?
Good sources of vitamin B12
- Animal 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.
What foods are very high in B12?
What foods are high in vitamin B12?
- Vitamin B12 is found in: Milk. ...
- Fortified cereals. If you identify as a vegan or vegetarian, some cereals are a great source of vitamin B12. ...
- Eggs. “Egg yolks contain more vitamin B12 than egg whites,” says Taylor. ...
- Yogurt. ...
- Salmon. ...
- Tuna. ...
- Beef. ...
- Liver and kidneys.
What happens if B12 is low?
B12 deficiency can cause a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, headaches, depression, pale or yellow skin, mental impairment, and pain and inflammation in the mouth and tongue. Many of the symptoms caused by low B12 levels are not specific to B12 deficiency, which can cause the condition to go undetected.How to increase vitamin B12 levels? - Ms. Sushma Jaiswal
What causes B12 to be low?
Lack of vitamin B12 in your diet: People who don't eat enough foods that naturally have vitamin B12 or don't eat foods fortified with vitamin B12 can develop vitamin B12 deficiency. Gastritis: Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining, and it's a common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency.Do bananas have a lot of B12?
"It contains high amounts of vitamin B6 and B12, as well as magnesium and potassium.What does low B12 feel like?
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 foods to avoid if you have B12 deficiency?
Foods or drinks to avoid
- Folate (vitamin B9) is an essential nutrient, especially before and during pregnancy. ...
- However, too much folic acid can mask a vitamin B12 deficiency. ...
- Research has suggested that the consumption of alcohol may reduce vitamin B12 levels.
Does banana peel have B12?
The banana peels themselves offer additional nutrients, including: Vitamin B6. Vitamin B12.Which vitamin B12 is best?
The vitamin itself is available in several forms, most commonly methylcobalamin and cyanocobalamin. However, the best option is clear. “Go for the methylcobalamin form of vitamin B12 because it is absorbed much better by the body than other forms of vitamin B12,” says Dr.What is the best way to absorb B12?
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.How do vegetarians get B12?
Dietary sourcesThe main foods which provide vitamin B12 are derived from animals, such as dairy products and eggs. For people not eating any animal products, yeast extract and other fortified/supplemented foods such as breakfast cereals, soya milks, soya/veggie burgers, and vegetable margarines are all good sources.