With individuals needing "50 micrograms a day" of vitamin B12, if an individual is poor within the nutrient, signs can seem.

"Extreme tiredness, lack of energy, pins and needles, muscle weakness, depression and cognitive problems such as impaired memory, understanding and judgement can all be a sign of vitamin B12 deficiency," stated Dr Butler.

So the place does vitamin B12 come from?

"B12 is produced by bacteria found in the soil," revealed Dr Butler. "Traditionally, we would have got it from eating unwashed food."

Dr Butler added: "But meals is now so sanitised we have to get it from fortified meals or supplements.

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"Meat and dairy do include it, however solely as a result of farmed animals are given a complement for a similar purpose."

Dr Butler stated: "You are higher off reducing out the intermediary and taking your individual."

The health advocate for the Vegetarian and Vegan Foundation reckons B12 is "extra simply absorbed from dietary supplements than from animal meals".

She added: "This is vital as absorption declines with age and everybody over 50, no matter weight loss program, which is why individuals ought to contemplate a complement."

Vitamin B12 helps the body maintain healthy nerve cells and helps in the production of DNA.

Dr Butler noted: "It additionally works intently with folic acid, to make crimson blood cells, to assist iron work higher within the physique and to supply a compound concerned in immune perform and temper."

A fan of plant-based food sources of vitamin B12, people wanting to top up their vitamin B12 levels are recommended to eat:

• Yeast extract (Marmite)
• B12-fortified yeast flakes, plant-based milk, vegan yoghurts and desserts.

"Make certain those you purchase are fortified with B12, however bear in mind to take a complement too to make sure a dependable consumption," said Dr Butler.

There are consequences of having sustained low vitamin B12 levels, such as raised levels of the amino acid homocysteine in the blood.

Raised levels of homocysteine in the blood has been linked to heart illness, stated Dr Butler.

"If you might be involved, B12 ranges may be checked by a physician and any deficiency may be handled with dietary supplements or a course of injections," she concluded.

Dr Justine Butler is the top of analysis at Viva!.