Alright. Let’s talk about vitamin B12. The 'gotcha' of wannabe dieticians.
Side note: yes, we are a vegan chocolate company. But we have an emphasis on vegan- for ethical reasons. We understand how vital good nutrition is, too, so you can feel safe making the leap! Here's a post explaining more.
What is it?
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that is important for the proper function of several parts in the body including red blood cells, the brain and nervous system. It’s also important for good energy levels and DNA production.
Why should vegans (and beyond) supplement with B12?
B12 is a vitamin that is only found in animal foods, hence why it’s recommended to take a B12 supplement if someone isn’t eating those foods.
Interestingly enough, our ancestors used to get their B12 from the consumption of the soil that was on their food. Because of our modern world and agriculture system, our soil is more depleted now, plus we’re washing our produce. This means that farm animals get supplemented with B12 because even their food doesn’t naturally contain it anymore.
Mind blowing isn’t it? So instead of getting your B12 supplement through an animal, why not use a much more compassionate and energy-efficient method, like taking the supplement yourself. Skip the middle-man! And it is very easy and efficient to reach healthy levels of B12 for most people through supplementation.
It’s also important to note that it’s not only vegans who would benefit from B12 supplementation. Oftentimes, people eating animal products in their diet can have low levels of B12 too. This is why it’s important to get your levels tested in a blood test and talk to your healthcare provider to know what’s going on in your body.
What kind of B12 supplement is recommended?
There are two types of B12 supplements: cyanocobalamin and methylcobalamin. The difference between the two is that methylcobalamin is a natural, active form of B12 as it’s already been methylated with the coenzyme required for B12 to enter the cells and use it. So in short, it’s easier for the body to absorb. Cyanocobalamin is a synthetic form of vitamin B12 that needs to be converted in the body to be absorbed. Cyanocobalamin is also sometimes cheaper than methylcobalamin. The bottom line is both forms are beneficial and people should speak to their healthcare provider or nutritionist when deciding what type of supplement and dosage is best for them.
References
Nagra, Matthew. “I Know What You’re Thinking, “Didn’t He Just Make a Post about Supplement Junkies?” the Answer Is Yes, I Do Believe There Is a Heavy Reliance on Quick and Easy Supplements over Whole Foods in Our “Go-Go-Go” Culture, but There Are Some Supplements That Would Be Worth Asking Your Naturopathic Doctor A.” Linkedin.com, 2 Dec. 2015, www.linkedin.com/pulse/supplements-everyone-should-consider-taking-matthew-nagra-bsc. Accessed 1 Feb. 2025.
“Veganism and B12: Everything You Need to Know.” Surge | Creative Non-Profit for Animal Rights, www.surgeactivism.org/articles/veganism-b12-everything-you-need-to-know.
WebMD. “Vitamin B12: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Dosage, and Warning.” Webmd.com, 2019, www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-926/vitamin-b12.
Link, Rachael. “Methylcobalamin vs Cyanocobalamin: What’s the Difference?” Healthline, Healthline Media, Aug. 2018, www.healthline.com/nutrition/methylcobalamin-vs-cyanocobalamin#bottom-line.
Williams, Sage. “Cyanocobalamin vs Methylcobalamin (for Vegans & Non-Vegans).” Future Kind, 23 Aug. 2020, www.futurekind.com/blogs/vegan/cyanocobalamin-vs-methylcobalamin?srsltid=AfmBOopJs51QrdKXGdRgySy6OO9oTtrGMj19isbt7C172sjEAgwbU3JM. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
“Methylcobalamin - an Overview | ScienceDirect Topics.” Www.sciencedirect.com, www.sciencedirect.com/topics/biochemistry-genetics-and-molecular-biology/methylcobalamin.