Are you lacking vitamin B12?
Are You Lacking Vitamin B12?
The body needs vitamin B12 to function properly, and low levels are surprisingly common — often in people who have no idea their levels have dropped. B12 supports blood and nerve health, and when it runs low it can leave you feeling tired and run-down. Here's an honest, evidence-led look at why B12 matters, the signs of low levels, who's most at risk, and how to support your intake — starting with the most important point: if you suspect a deficiency, a GP blood test comes first. For how Kollo's vitamins fit into a daily routine, see our complete guide to liquid marine collagen.
Why B12 Matters
Vitamin B12 plays several essential roles. It carries authorised UK health claims for contributing to normal red blood cell formation, the normal functioning of the nervous system, normal psychological function, and the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. It's also involved in the body's energy-yielding metabolism and in the process of cell division.
When B12 is genuinely low, the body struggles to produce healthy red blood cells, which can lead to a form of anaemia that leaves people feeling weak and tired. That's a medical issue — which is exactly why it's diagnosed and managed by a doctor rather than guessed at.
Who Is Most at Risk of Low B12?
B12 is found mainly in animal foods — meat, fish, dairy and eggs — so some groups are more prone to low levels than others:
- Vegans and vegetarians — plant foods contain little to no B12, so a reliable B12 source is important on a plant-based diet.
- Older adults — the body's ability to absorb B12 from food tends to decline with age.
- People with certain gut or absorption conditions — some conditions and medications affect how well B12 is absorbed.
Signs to Be Aware Of
Possible signs of low B12 include persistent tiredness or weakness, pale skin, heart palpitations, and nerve-related symptoms such as tingling or numbness. Here's the honest caveat: every one of these symptoms can have other causes, so they're a prompt to get checked — not to self-diagnose. If you're experiencing any of them, a GP can do a simple blood test to confirm whether B12 is actually the issue. Nerve symptoms and vision changes in particular should always be assessed promptly.
How to Support Your B12 Intake
If your levels are fine and you simply want to maintain them, the picture is straightforward:
- Eat B12-rich foods — meat, fish, eggs and dairy are the main dietary sources.
- Plant-based? Choose fortified foods or a B12 source — fortified plant milks, nutritional yeast or a supplement help cover the gap.
- Consider a daily supplement for convenience — B12 supplements come in liquid and capsule form; Kollo includes B12 alongside its other vitamins.
- If you suspect a deficiency, see a GP first — a confirmed deficiency often needs treatment at doses well above a general supplement, sometimes by injection.
That last point is the crucial distinction. A general daily supplement supports normal B12 intake as part of a healthy lifestyle — it is not a treatment for a diagnosed deficiency, which needs proper medical guidance.
B12 at a Glance
| Question | The honest answer |
|---|---|
| What does B12 do? | Supports red blood cells, nervous system, psychological function and reduces tiredness |
| Where is it found? | Mainly animal foods — meat, fish, dairy, eggs |
| Who's most at risk? | Vegans, vegetarians, older adults, some absorption conditions |
| How is deficiency confirmed? | A GP blood test — the only reliable method |
| Supplement vs treatment? | A supplement supports normal intake; diagnosed deficiency needs medical treatment |
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Shop Now →Where Kollo Fits
Kollo is a daily liquid supplement that includes vitamin B12 alongside vitamins B1, B5, B6 and C, the amino acid l-lysine, and 10g of Naticol® marine collagen peptides. For someone eating a balanced diet who wants a convenient daily top-up, that's a practical way to support normal B12 intake — and the B12, B6 and C all carry authorised UK claims for contributing to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue. What Kollo isn't is a treatment for a diagnosed deficiency: if a blood test shows your levels are genuinely low, follow your GP's guidance, which may involve doses beyond what any general supplement provides.
If a daily top-up suits your routine, our complete guide to liquid marine collagen has the full detail. And for women weighing up their wider supplement needs in midlife — when absorption and nutrient needs can shift — our women's wellness guide for over 40s and menopause supplements guide are useful companions.
Kollo Health was co-founded by Jenni Falconer - TV presenter, Smooth Radio breakfast host, ten-time London Marathon runner and host of the RunPod podcast. Read her story and why she created Kollo.
