Vitamin B12 Rich Foods

Vitamin deficiency has severe consequences, especially the one of Vitamin B12. Here is a list of some of the best Vitamin B 12 food sources which can help you to prevent a deficiency.

Clams

Clams are small, chewy shellfish that are packed with nutrients. This mollusk is a lean source of protein and contains very high concentrations of vitamin B12. You can get more than 7,000% of the DV in just 20 small clams (190 grams). Clams, especially whole baby clams, also provide a great amount of iron, with almost 200% of the DV in a 100-gram (3.5-ounce) serving. Plus, clams have been shown to be a good source of antioxidants .

Interestingly, the broth of boiled clams is also high in vitamin B12. Canned clam broth has been shown to provide 113–588% of the DV per 3.5 ounces (100 grams) .

B12 content

A 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving of clams contains up to 99 mcg of vitamin B12, which is 4,120% of the DV.

 

Sardines

Sardines are small, soft-boned saltwater fish. They’re usually sold canned in water, oil, or sauces, though you can also buy them fresh. Sardines are especially nutritious because they contain good amounts of almost every single nutrient. A 1-cup (150-gram) serving of drained sardines provides 554% of the DV for vitamin B12 e. Furthermore, sardines are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have been shown to provide many health benefits, such as reducing inflammation and improving heart health .

B12 content

One cup (150 grams) of drained sardines contains up to 554% of the DV for vitamin B12.

 

Beef

Beef is an excellent source of vitamin B12. One grilled Sirloin Steak (about 250 grams) provides 467% of the DV for vitamin B12 .Also, the same amount of steak contains reasonable amounts of vitamins B2, B3, and B6, as well as more than 100% of the DVs for selenium and zinc. If you’re looking for higher concentrations of vitamin B12, it’s recommended to choose low fat cuts of meat. It’s also better to grill or roast it — instead of frying — to preserve the B12 content.

B12 content

A 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving of beef contains about 5.9 mcg of vitamin B12. That’s 245% of the DV.

Tuna

Tuna is a commonly consumed fish and a great source of nutrients, including protein, vitamins, and minerals. It contains high concentrations of vitamin B12, especially in the muscles right beneath the skin, which are known as dark muscles. A 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving of cooked tuna contains 453% of the DV for the vitamin. This same serving size also packs a good amount of lean protein, phosphorus, selenium, and vitamins A and B3. Canned tuna also contains a decent amount of vitamin B12. In fact, a can (142 grams) of  tuna canned in water contains 152% of the DV.

B12 content

A 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving of cooked tuna provides 10.9 mcg of vitamin B12. That’s 453% of the DV.

 

Fortified nutritional yeast

Nutritional yeast is a good vegan source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. It’s a species of yeast specifically grown to be used as food, not as a leavening agent in bread and beer. Nutritional yeast does not naturally contain vitamin B12. However, it’s commonly fortified, which makes it a great source of this nutrient. As with fortified cereals, the vitamin B12 in nutritional yeast is vegan-friendly because it’s synthetic. Two tablespoons (15 grams) of nutritional yeast may contain up to 733% of the DV for vitamin B12. In one study, researchers added nutritional yeast to the diets of raw food vegans and found that it increased vitamin B12 blood levels and helped reduce blood markers of B12 deficiency.

B12 content

Two tablespoons (15 grams) of nutritional yeast may provide up to 17.6 mcg of vitamin B12. That’s 733% of the DV.

Trout

Rainbow trout is considered one of the healthiest fish. This freshwater species is a great source of protein, healthy fats, and B vitamins. A 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving of trout fillet offers about 312% of the DV for vitamin B12 and 1,171 mg of omega-3 fatty acids. For adults, experts recommend a combined daily intake of 1,100–1,600 mg of omega-3 fatty acids. Trout is also a great source of minerals such as manganese, phosphorus, and selenium.

B12 content

A 3.5-ounce (100-gram) serving of trout contains 7.5 mcg of vitamin B12. That’s 312% of the DV.

Salmon

Salmon is well known for having one of the highest concentrations of omega-3 fatty acids. It’s also an excellent source of B vitamins. A Salmon fillet (ca. 200 grams) can pack 208% of the DV for vitamin B12. The same serving may also provide 4,123 mg of omega-3 fatty acids. Alongside its high fat content, this fish offers a high amount of protein, with about 40 grams in a half fillet (178 grams).

B12 content

A half fillet (178 grams) of cooked salmon offers more than 200% of the DV for vitamin B12.

 

Fortified non dairy milk

Non Dairy milk is popular among those who want a nutritious vegan replacement for dairy milk. While soy, almond, and rice milks are not naturally high in vitamin B12, they are usually fortified, which makes them an excellent source of this vitamin.

One example is soy milk, which provides up to 86% of the DV for vitamin B12 in 1 cup (240 mL). As such, fortified non-dairy milks make a great option for those who want to increase their B12 intake and avoid deficiency. Like the B12 in other fortified sources, the B12 in non dairy milk is synthetic, so it’s vegan-friendly.

B12 content

One cup (240 ml) of soy milk contains 2.1 mcg of vitamin B12, or 86% of the DV.

 

Milk and dairy products

Milk and other dairy products, such as yogurt and cheese, are great sources of protein and several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12. One cup (240 ml) of whole milk supplies 46% of the DV for vitamin B12. Cheese is also a rich source of vitamin B12. One large slice (22 grams) of Swiss cheese contains about 28% of the DV. Full-fat plain yogurt may also be a decent source. It has even been shown to help improve vitamin B12 status in people who are deficient in this vitamin. Interestingly, studies have found that your body absorbs the vitamin B12 in milk and dairy products better than the vitamin B12 in beef, fish, or eggs.

B12 content

Dairy is a great source of vitamin B12. One cup (240 mL) of whole milk provides 46% of the DV, and one slice (22 grams) of Swiss cheese contains 28%.

Eggs

Eggs are a great source of complete protein and B vitamins, especially B2 and B12. Two organic eggs (100 grams) supply about 46% of the DV for vitamin B12, plus 39% of the DV for vitamin B2. Research has shown that egg yolks have higher levels of vitamin B12 than egg whites. The B12 in egg yolks is also easier to absorb. Therefore, it’s recommended to eat whole eggs instead of just their whites. In addition to getting a good dose of vitamin B12, you’ll get a healthy amount of vitamin D. Eggs are one of the few foods that naturally contain it, with 11% of the DV in two large eggs.

B12 content

Two large eggs (100 grams) contain 1.1 mcg of vitamin B12. That’s 46% of the DV.

content source:
healthline