Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that your body cannot produce on its own. Diet plays a fundamental role in providing this vitamin.
Foods containing vitamin B12 include meat, fish, seafood, eggs and dairy products.
Vitamin B12 is essential for red blood cell production, normal nervous system function and DNA synthesis. A vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to numerous health problems (fatigue, weakness, anemia…).
Here are the 5 foods richest in vitamin B12.
Beef liver
Offal is one of the most nutrient-rich of all foods. Beef liver is one of the best sources of vitamin B12.
A 100-gram portion of cooked beef liver generally provides over 50 micrograms of vitamin B12! This far exceeds the recommended daily allowance of 2.4 µg (micrograms) for adults.
Sardines
Sardines are small, soft-boned saltwater fish. Usually sold canned with various herbs, they can also be bought fresh.
A 100-gram portion of fresh or canned sardines can provide around 8-9 micrograms of vitamin B12, and sardines are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids!
Clams
Clams are an excellent source of vitamin B12. They are one of the richest seafoods in vitamin B12.
In general, a 100-gram serving of cooked clams can provide around 98 micrograms of vitamin B12, well in excess of the Recommended Dietary Allowance.
Salmon
Salmon is an oily fish that contains not only beneficial omega-3 fatty acids, but also a good amount of vitamin B12.
Salmon is considered one of the best dietary sources of this vitamin: a 100-gram portion of cooked salmon can provide around 4 to 5 micrograms of vitamin B12!
Oysters
Seafood such as clams, shrimps and crab are rich in vitamin B12. Oysters, however, contain a good proportion.
In fact, a serving of six cooked oysters can provide around 20 to 30 micrograms of vitamin B12.