Why I'm loving... vitamin B12

A recent YouGov survey found that one in eight people exist in a state of constant exhaustion, while another quarter report feeling weary ‘most of the time’.

While everyone’s reasons for being tired varies, 36-year-old communications director Hayley Knight found taking a daily vitamin B12 supplement has helped her fatigue and restored the energy she needs to tackle her busy job. We also ask pharmacist Debbie why it’s important to maintain your B12 levels. First, over to Hayley for her daily routine...

I first got into taking the supplement when I decided to go vegan. A close friend of mine who’d already made the switch explained the importance of this vitamin and its role in maintaining energy levels.

I quit my nine-to-five three years ago and set up my PR agency, BE YELLOW, with my husband. That leap of faith has allowed us to travel the world, running our business while taking time out to tick off bucket list experiences like backpacking through the Amazon Rainforest and walking alongside penguins in Antarctica. But being a digital nomad demands a lot of energy.

It was only after taking B12 that my energy felt higher² which is pretty important when you run a busy PR agency and need to be reactive to emails and phone calls throughout the day. Having more energy has had a big effect on my quality of life. I’m now more likely to exercise, socialise and do all the other things that are good for me.

“This particular vitamin plays a key role² in the production of red blood cells, which transport oxygen to our cells for energy and to the brain to support cognitive function. Added to this, it also helps the body extract energy from food by feeding our mitochondria⁴ too, which are known as the ‘powerhouses’ of our cells.

“Our bodies can’t manufacture vitamin B12; we need to get it from our diet,” Debbie continues. “While there are some plant-based sources, like certain leafy greens, in reality, they don’t provide enough to keep us adequately topped up. Most B12 comes from animal products like meat, fish and eggs. So, for vegans, a supplement is worth considering. And if you're deficient in B12, improving your levels may help with normal cognitive function which can extend to focus and other areas of mental performance too.”⁵

If you're unsure whether you're getting enough of this essential vitamin, a simple blood test or at-home testing kit can show where your levels stand. Boosting your intake is often as simple as adding more meat to your diet or incorporating a supplement to meet the recommended daily amount.

That said, some people naturally have it harder when it comes to absorbing B12, so Debbie recommends having your levels rechecked a month after making dietary changes to ensure everything’s working as expected.