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The key to feeling more energised may be simpler than you think, as one Health Hub reader explains how B12 overhauled her wellbeing. We ask pharmacist Debbie Grayson why this could be...
Summary
1Why should you take B12?
Hayley started taking a vitamin B12 capsule with breakfast when she decided to go vegan.
2Why Hayley loves B12
It was only after taking B12 that her energy felt higher and is now more likely to exercise and socialise.
3Why B12 works for Hayley
Our bodies can’t manufacture vitamin B12, so we need to get it from our diet and B12 may help with normal cognitive function.
Many of us struggle to roll out of bed in the morning and rely on several coffees to get through the average working day. A recent YouGov survey found that one in eight people exist in a state of constant exhaustion, while another quarter report feeling weary ‘most of the time’.
While everyone’s reasons for being tired varies. But one Health Hub reader, Hayley Knight founder of PR agency BE YELLOW, found taking a daily vitamin B12 supplement has helped her fatigue and restored the energy she needs to tackle her busy job. We also ask pharmacist Debbie Grayson why it’s important to maintain your B12 levels. First, over to Hayley for her daily routine...
What supplement Hayley takes
"For the past eight years, I’ve been taking a vitamin B12 supplement with breakfast," says Hayley. "I try my hardest to be consistent with having one a day, but realistically, it’s often only a couple of times a week.1 I first got into taking the supplement when I decided to go vegan. A close friend of mine who’d already made the switch explained the importance of this vitamin and its role in maintaining energy levels."
Hayley quit her nine-to-five to set up her PR agency with her husband. "That leap of faith has allowed us to travel the world running our business, while taking time out to tick off bucket list experiences like backpacking through the Amazon Rainforest and walking alongside penguins in Antarctica. But being a digital nomad demands a lot of energy."
Why Hayley loves vitamin B12
"This was pretty important to me as when you run a busy PR agency, you need to be reactive to emails and phone calls throughout the day. Having more energy has had a big effect on my quality of life. I’m now more likely to exercise, socialise and do all the other things that are good for me."
How else Hayley supports her energy levels
Beyond B12, she eats very healthily and chooses energy-rich foods.3 Hayley says, "I start my day with a big bowl of oatmeal that keeps me full until lunch. I also exercise daily – currently I’m loving somatic dance therapy sessions. I travel a lot, which is probably my biggest motivation booster and I’m trying to carry that ‘wanderlust’ energy into the winter months."
“Our bodies can’t manufacture vitamin B12 – we need to get it from our diet”
How does B12 work?
“It’s no wonder that Hayley felt energised after introducing a vitamin B12 supplement into her diet,” says pharmacist Debbie. “This particular vitamin plays a key role in the production of red blood cells, which transport oxygen to our cells for energy and to the brain to support cognitive function.3 Added to this, it also helps the body extract energy from food by feeding our mitochondria, which are known as the ‘powerhouses’ of our cells.4
“Our bodies can’t manufacture vitamin B12, so we need to get it from our diet. While there are some plant-based sources, like certain leafy greens, in reality, they don’t provide enough to keep us adequately topped up. Most B12 sources come from animal products like meat, fish and eggs. So, for vegans, a supplement is worth considering. And if you're deficient in B12, improving your levels may help with normal cognitive function which can extend to focus and other areas of mental performance too.”5
The final say
In case you didn’t catch the memo: vitamin B12 contributes to reducing tiredness, so its worth checking your levels to support your energy levels throughout the working week. Boosting your intake is often as simple as looking at what's on your plate or incorporating a supplement to meet the recommended daily amount.
That said, some people naturally have it harder when it comes to absorbing B12, so Debbie recommends having your levels rechecked a month after making dietary changes to ensure everything’s working as expected. Keen to learn more about the B vitamin family? Unlock the secrets of the vitamin B complex including sources, roles and why they're important for your health.
Disclaimer – This article provides informational advice and is not a substitute for medical care. Working with experts for accuracy, we take great care to ensure the information is up-to-date and relevant. However, you should always consult your GP or healthcare professional before using supplements or alternative products, particularly if you have medical conditions or are under supervision.
- NHS. B Vitamins and Folic Acid - Vitamins and Minerals [Internet]. NHS. 2020. Available from: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vitamins-and-minerals/vitamin-b/
- National Institutes of Health. Office of Dietary Supplements - Vitamin B12 [Internet]. Nih.gov. 2024. Available from: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-HealthProfessional/
- Leicestershire Nutrition and Dietetic Services [Internet]. Available from: https://www.lnds.nhs.uk/Library/VitaminB12andHealthFeb2021LNDS123.pdf
- Jeon YM, Kwon Y, Lee S, Kim S, Jo M, Lee S, et al. Vitamin B12 Reduces TDP-43 Toxicity by Alleviating Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Dysfunction. Antioxidants. 2021 Dec 29;11(1):82.
- Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to vitamin B12 and contribution to normal neurological and psychological functions (ID 95, 97, 98, 100, 102, 109), contribution to normal homocysteine metabolism (ID 96, 103, 106), maintena. EFSA Journal. 2010 Oct;8(10):1756.
