vitamin b12
Why should we eat vitamin b12?
Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is needed, among other things, for the cells’ metabolism and for the formation of blood cells. It is also necessary for the functioning of the nervous system.
hOW MUCH DO WE NEED?
Adults require about 2 micrograms of vitamin B12 per day.
Vitamin B12 is mainly stored in the liver of the human body and released once needed by the body.
vitamin b12 in a plant-based diet
Vegans and people on a plant-based diet are often told to supplement with vitamin B12 since this may be lacking in vegetables. The real truth is, apparently, that animals cannot produce vitamin B12 themselves but are either supplemented this or get it into their system via microbes living in the dirt.
For vegans, it is therefore very important to supplement vitamin B12 or have a sufficient intake of fortified foods (for example shop bought oat/soy/rice milk often contains B12).
Disclaimer – please note that we are not in any way experts in nutrition, all information above is translated summaries of information available on the Swedish National Food Administration’s (Livsmedelsverket) webpage.
