Why Vitamin B12 Is Trending (And Why You Should Care)

Vitamin B12 is having its moment—and it’s not just social media hype. With plant-based diets on the rise and gut health issues on the increase, B12 deficiency is becoming more common than ever. If you're tired, foggy, or just not firing on all cylinders, this mighty little vitamin could be the missing link. Let’s explore the buzz, the science, and how to find out if you’re low.

This article breaks down why B12 is so essential, how deficiency presents (often misdiagnosed), who’s most at risk, and how to identify it early with a simple at-home blood test.

What Is Vitamin B12 and Why Is It Important?

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin essential for:

• Red blood cell production

• DNA synthesis

• Neurological function

• Energy metabolism

• Methylation and detoxification

A deficiency can cause neurological damage, irreversible cognitive decline, megaloblastic anaemia, and fatigue (O'Leary & Samman, 2010; Stabler, 2013).

Why Is B12 Suddenly Trending?

1. The Rise of Vegan and Plant-Based Diets

B12 is found almost exclusively in animal-derived foods—meat, fish, dairy, and eggs. As veganism and vegetarianism rise (YouGov, 2023), so does risk of deficiency. Studies estimate 11–90% of vegans may have low B12 levels (Pawlak et al., 2013).

2. Fatigue and Brain Fog Are Common Complaints

Fatigue is one of the top five complaints in UK GP visits (NICE, 2023). B12 deficiency is a well-established but under-recognised cause (Gröber et al., 2013).

3. Digestive Disorders & Absorption Issues Are Rising

Even if you eat animal products, conditions like coeliac disease, Crohn’s, IBS, and low stomach acid (especially in over-60s) reduce B12 absorption (Allen, 2009).

4. Medication Interference

Common meds like metformin and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) interfere with B12 absorption over time (de Jager et al., 2010; Lam et al., 2013).

5. B12 Injections Are Going Viral

While the trend is often fuelled by influencers and anecdotal hype, there’s some merit—especially if you’re deficient. Supplementing can lead to dramatic improvements in energy and cognition (Lachner et al., 2012).

Signs of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Deficiency often develops slowly and can mimic other conditions:

• Persistent fatigue and weakness

• Brain fog, memory loss or poor concentration

• Pins and needles (paresthesia)

• Pale or jaundiced skin

• Mood changes or depression

• Mouth ulcers and glossitis (sore tongue)

• Vision disturbances

• Balance problems or dizziness

• Megaloblastic anaemia

• In severe cases: irreversible nerve damage or dementia-like symptoms (Stabler, 2013; Hunt et al., 2014)
   

A long-term, severe deficiency can cause neurological damage, irreversible cognitive decline, megaloblastic anaemia, and fatigue (O'Leary & Samman, 2010; Stabler, 2013).

Who’s Most at Risk?

• Vegans and vegetarians (Pawlak et al., 2013)

• Adults aged 60+ (Clarke et al., 2004)

• People with gastrointestinal issues (e.g., Crohn’s, coeliac, IBS)

• Those on long-term metformin or acid blockers

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women

• People who consume excess alcohol

How to Increase B12 Naturally

If you're deficient (or borderline), here’s how to raise levels safely:

Eat More B12-Rich Foods

For the Omnivores Among Us:

• Liver (especially beef liver) – One of the most concentrated sources

• Shellfish – Clams, oysters, mussels, and crab are B12 powerhouses

• Fish – Particularly sardines, mackerel, salmon, trout, and tuna

• Red meat – Beef, lamb, and venison

• Poultry – Chicken and turkey (in smaller amounts)

• Eggs – Especially the yolk

• Dairy products – Milk, cheese, and yoghurt (esp. Swiss cheese and cottage cheese)

Fortified Plant-Based Options:

• Fortified plant milks – Soy, almond, oat, and coconut milks

• Fortified cereals and oats – Many breakfast cereals have added B12

• Nutritional yeast – The cheesy, flaky vegan darling—often fortified

• Fortified meat alternatives – Like some brands of tofu, tempeh, and mock meats

• Fortified spreads – Vegan margarines and yeast extracts (e.g., Marmite)

Important Note: No unfortified plant foods naturally contain bioavailable B12 (not even spirulina or seaweed—those contain analogues that don’t work the same). Supplementation or regular fortified food intake is essential (Pawlak et al., 2013).

Take a Targeted Supplement

• Cyanocobalamin or methylcobalamin are the most common oral forms.

• Sublingual forms or sprays may be better absorbed in people with gut issues (Green et al., 2017).

• In severe cases, B12 injections may be required.

Fix the Root Cause

If you’re low despite eating well, consider checking for:

• Gut absorption issues

• Low stomach acid (common in over-60s)

• Chronic use of acid-reducing medication

• Pernicious anaemia

The Smart Move: Test Before You Supplement

Not everyone needs high-dose supplements or injections. Some people overdose on B12 despite normal levels—something that can mask other underlying problems like folate deficiency.

At-home testing helps you tailor your approach to what your body actually needs.

Vitall’s Complete Vitamins Test checks B12, folate, vitamin D, and more—giving you the full picture.
 

Don't guess... test!