What Type of Foods Have Vitamin B12?

According to experts at Northwestern University's Feinberg School of Medicine, vitamin B12 helps the body store and process folate and works with it to promote cell replication. Vitamin B12 also assists in constructing myelin sheaths that protect the nervous system. (See Reference 1)

Meat

• Most food sources that contain vitamin B12 originate from animals, including pork, beef, poultry and liver.

Seafood

• Seafood is a healthful source of B12. Examples include tuna, oysters, clams and crab.

Dairy

• Dairy products such as milk, yogurt, eggs and cheese also contain vitamin B12.

Grains

• Some grain products are fortified with vitamin B12 and contain adequate amounts of it per serving. This is especially important for vegetarians and vegans.

Expert insight

• The amount of vitamin B12 required by the body depends on such variables as age, gender and maternity. Pregnant women, for example, require more vitamin B12. (See reference 2)