Vitamins B12 and D: food sources and daily supplements

Vitamins B12 and D: food, supplements and daily use

Vitamin B12 and vitamin D are involved in different processes in the body. You obtain them through food, vitamin D production in response to sunlight and, where appropriate, food supplements. Here is how their sources differ and what to check when comparing products for daily use.

Vitamin B12 in food and supplements

Where is B12 naturally found?

Vitamin B12 occurs mainly in animal foods, including meat, fish, eggs and dairy products. It is also added to some fortified foods and is available as a supplement.

Comparing B12 products

B12 may be supplied on its own or included in a multivitamin or a formula containing several nutrients. Compare the amount in the recommended daily serving, rather than relying on the product name alone.

Adding B12 to a daily routine

A separate product can be convenient when you specifically want to add B12 to your diet. Forever B12 Plus combines vitamin B12 with folic acid. Check its current ingredients and directions, or compare the other food supplements.

Vitamin D: sunlight, food and supplements

Production through sunlight exposure

The body can produce vitamin D when the skin is exposed to sunlight. The amount produced varies with the season, time spent outdoors and personal circumstances.

Food sources

Oily fish is a familiar source of vitamin D. Smaller amounts are also found in eggs and some fortified foods.

Vitamin D in supplements

Vitamin D is available separately and is also included in some multivitamin and mineral formulas. The amount per recommended daily serving differs between products.

Combining several products

If you use more than one supplement, check whether vitamin D or other nutrients occur in several formulas. This helps you keep track of the combined daily amount.

Consider your usual diet

If you follow a vegetarian or entirely plant-based diet, pay particular attention to B12-fortified foods and the composition of any supplements you are considering. The usual animal sources may be limited or absent.

For vitamin D, food, sunlight-related production and supplements provide different sources. Your circumstances and the amount in each product matter when choosing an addition to your diet.

What should you check before choosing?

• The amount of B12 or vitamin D per recommended daily serving.
• The other vitamins and minerals in the formula.
• The current ingredients and allergen information.
• The directions, daily amount and any product warnings.

Food supplements do not replace a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Compare compositions before combining products, and follow the recommended daily amount.

Browse the available supplements at 4everaloevera.nl to compare the ingredients and formats.

Compare ingredients and formats among the Forever Living products available from 4everaloevera.nl.