Vitamin B12 is an essential water-soluble vitamin. Vitamin B12-deficiency anemia occurs when there is a low red blood cell count due to a lack of vitamin B12. A lack of vitamin B12 may occur if one follows a vegetarian diet, had a poor diet in infancy or had poor nutrition during pregnancy. Vitamin B12 is naturally present in some foods and is added to others.
Meat and Eggs
Vitamin B12 is naturally found in animal products and are a good source of vitamin B12 for anemics. Examples of animal products that contain vitamin B12 include beef and chicken liver, turkey, lamb, clams, oysters, trout, salmon, swordfish, catfish, beef, haddock, tuna, sardines, ham, eggs, egg substitute, and chicken. Beef liver, turkey and clams contain the highest level of Daily Value (DV) per serving but roasted chicken provides the least amount.
Dairy Products
Dairy products also contain vitamin B12. Some examples of dairy products that contain vitamin B12 include yogurt, cow's milk, rice milk, evaporated milk, Swiss cheese, cottage cheese, cheese sauce, ricotta cheese, mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, blue cheese, cream cheese, ice cream, sherbet, pudding made with milk and malted drink mixes. As compared to vitamin B12-fortified foods and other animal products, dairy products contain lower amounts of vitamin B12.
Fortified Cereals
Another food source of vitamin B12 for anemics are fortified cereals. Fortified breakfast cereals contain readily available vitamin B12 for those who follow a vegetarian diet. Some nutritional yeast products also contain vitamin B12. Breakfast cereals may be fortified with different amounts of vitamin B12 so it is important to check the food label.
Some ready-to-eat cereals that are fortified with vitamin B12 include Kellogg's brands of cereal including Special K, All-Bran, Rice Krispies, Raisin Bran, Frosted Flakes, and Complete Wheat Flakes. General Mills cereals that are fortified with vitamin B12 include Wheaties, Total Raisin Bran, Corn Flakes, Rice Chex and Cheerios to name a few.
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