Vitamin B12 Tablets (120 Tablets)

Provided in a unique pleasant-tasting chewable form, as methylcobalamin (the activated form), removing the need for conversion in the body which some people may struggle to do.

Delicious raspberry flavour.

Vitamin B12 plays a key role in energy-yielding metabolism and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue.

Vitamin B12 is essential for the normal functioning of the nervous system.

B12 helps to break homocysteine down into methionine effectively, a process known as methylation.

Vitamin B12 is necessary for the formation of normal red blood cells.

Supplemental vitamin B12 is advisable for most vegans and vegetarians as B12 is mainly found in foods of animal origin such as dairy, eggs, meat, poultry and fish.

Those who may benefit from taking vitamin B12 include older people, vegetarians and vegans; also those who are anaemic, those who take medications that deplete B12, and people who have compromised digestive function that may affect their absorption of B12 such as with history of intestinal surgery.

Methylcobalamin is the activated form of B12, removing the need for conversion in the body which some people struggle to do due to genetic predisposition or absorption issues.

According to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), in the UK the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency is around 6% in people under 60 years, however, for people aged over 60 years, this rises to around 20%. As we age, our appetites dwindle, so we may consume less food containing vitamin B12 and we are also less able to absorb it effectively.

Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency may include a pale yellow tinge to the skin, mouth ulcers, fatigue, low mood, changes in your cognitive abilities including memory and judgement, and a feeling of pins and needles.

Vitamin B12 absorption can be compromised by the long-term use of certain medications including those that suppress stomach acid such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), H2 receptor blockers, metformin (which is widely used to treat type 2 diabetes), anti-seizure medications, and some cholesterol-lowering drugs. Other at-risk groups include those who have had abdominal or bowel surgery.

Those who follow a vegan, vegetarian, or plant-based diet should also take extra care to ensure their vitamin B12 levels are adequate, as this vitamin is primarily found in meat, fish, dairy products, and eggs.