← NUTRITIONFoundational
Vitamin B12
Essential and reliably low in vegans — a clear yes if your diet lacks animal foods, unnecessary if it doesn't.
A vitamin found almost exclusively in animal foods, needed for nerve function, red blood cells and energy metabolism.
Correcting a genuine deficiency is important and well established — and deficiency is common in vegans and some older adults. If you eat animal products regularly, you almost certainly get enough and don't need to supplement.
- !Water-soluble and safe in excess, but that's no reason to take it if you're not low.
- !A blood test confirms whether you actually need it.
Note:General information, not medical advice. Supplements interact with medications and conditions — check with your doctor before starting anything, especially if you're pregnant, nursing or managing a health condition.