Why Vitamin B12 is crucial if you’re vegan, and how to get it

Vegan Vitamin B12

If you’re interested in discovering the best vegan Vitamin B12 sources, it’s important to appreciate that Vitamin B12 is unique among nutrients: it is the only nutrient that cannot be obtained directly from plant foods. The consequences of not getting enough Vitamin B12 in your diet can be serious: it can lead to anaemia, pale skin, neurological issues, weight loss, dementia, and infertility, among other things. So it’s crucial that vegans ensure that they incorporate a regular and adequate supply of Vitamin B12 in their diets.

As Vitamin B12 doesn’t occur naturally in plant foods, the only ways that vegans can get it is through fortified foods and/or supplements. Fortunately, there is a very good range of fortified vegan products available, as well as an excellent choice of supplements. 

Vegan foods that are commonly fortified with Vitamin B12 include:

  • Yeast extract and yeast flakes 
  • Cereals and granolas 
  • Vegan spreads 
  • Plant-based milk alternatives 
  • Some vegan burgers and sausages 
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