Vitamin B12 – Crucial for the Body's Function

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is a water-soluble vitamin involved in several of the body's most important processes:

• energy

• nervous system

• blood formation

• cellular metabolism
  
  

Although B12 is vital, the body cannot produce it itself – we must obtain it from our diet.

What does vitamin B12 do?

Here are the EFSA-approved health claims for B12:

Vitamin B12 contributes to:

• normal energy-yielding metabolism

• normal red blood cell formation

• normal functioning of the nervous system

• the reduction of tiredness and fatigue

• normal psychological function

• normal homocysteine metabolism

• normal cell division

• normal immune system function
  
  

It is one of the broadest B vitamins in terms of approved functions.

Why is B12 deficiency common?

Vitamin B12 is found almost exclusively in animal foods:

• meat

• fish

• eggs

• dairy products
  
  

Therefore, several groups are at risk of deficiency:

• vegans

• vegetarians

• elderly people

• people with reduced stomach acid

• people using certain medications

• people experiencing stress or high demands
  
  

Vitamin B12 and energy

B12 is central to cellular energy metabolism.
When levels are low, one may experience:

• fatigue

• low energy

• difficulty concentrating

• slow recovery
  

This is why B12 is a common nutrient in dietary supplements.

Vitamin B12 and the nervous system

B12 helps to:

• form myelin (protective sheath around nerves)

• produce neurotransmitters

• maintain normal nerve function
  
  

Deficiency can affect both mind and focus.

B12 and blood formation

Vitamin B12 and folate act as "twins."
Together, they support:

• red blood cell formation

• normal cell division

• oxygen transport
  

This is one of the reasons why Sevital combines B12 and folic acid in its Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies.

Symptoms of low levels

Common signs:

• fatigue

• impaired memory/focus

• tingling in hands or feet

• pale skin

• weakness

• reduced stamina
  
  

Why B12 is important in vegetarian/vegan diets

Since B12 is almost exclusively found in animal products, supplementation is one of the most common recommendations for:

• vegans

• plant-based diets

• vegetarians with low intake of eggs and dairy
  
  

Vitamin B12 in Sevital's products

B12 is found in Apple Cider Vinegar Gummies, where the focus is on energy, psychological function, and reduced fatigue — all EFSA-approved areas for vitamin B12.

FAQ – Common questions about vitamin B12

Can you get too much B12?

Excess is normally excreted through urine — but always follow the recommended dose.

How quickly do you notice the effect of B12?

Varies, but many experience a difference within days to weeks.

Is B12 important for women 40+?

Yes, especially for energy, the nervous system, and blood formation.

Do vegans need to take B12?

Yes, it is a commonly recommended supplement.

Sources/references:

https://www.livsmedelsverket.se/livsmedel-och-innehall/naringsamne/vitaminer-och-antioxidanter/vitamin-b12/
https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-HealthProfessional/
https://www.bmj.com/content/383/bmj-2022-071725
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/nutrition-research-reviews/article/biological-properties-of-vitamin-b12/58C586B5D6B9960C421D92A41D7D0691
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3257642/
https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/vitamin-b12/
https://www.ucsf.edu/news/2025/02/429491/healthy-vitamin-b12-levels-not-enough-ward-neuro-decline