With 1.2 micrograms of B12 per cup, drinking 2 cups of milk per day can get you to your daily goal.
In terms of provision of vitamin B12, one glass (250 mL) of milk provides more than 1 mg of vitamin B12 (USDA, 2011).
In addition to meat and fish, dairy products like milk and cheese contribute to vitamin B12 intake. However, dairy products do not contain enough vitamin B12 to prevent deficiency in people who do not eat meat or fish.
Milk and other dairy products are also decent sources of natural vitamin B12. An 8-ounce glass of low-fat milk contains 1.3 μg (54% DV) of vitamin B12. Whole milk contains slightly less. Nonfat plain yogurt and low-fat plain yogurt provide about 60% and 40% of the DV per cup, respectively.
If you're looking to boost the amount of vitamin B12 in your diet, you should eat more animal products, like meat, seafood, dairy and eggs. Fortified breakfast cereals are another great way to get more B12. It is possible that your provider may want you to take a vitamin B12 supplement in addition to your diet change.
Eggs are one of the best sources of vitamin B12, said Harvard Medical School. A single medium egg contains 0.4mcg of vitamin B12. You should eat four eggs every day to make up your total recommended amount of B12. Most people that eat meat, fish and dairy products should be able to get enough vitamin B12 in their diet.
The concentration of vitamin B12 in the milk, including the variety sold by milkmen, ranged from 2.50-3.85µg/L (micrograms per litre). This is a satisfactory level. The body can absorb the recommended dietary allowance of Vitamin B12 of 1µg/ day if we drink 400 ml of milk every day," Naik said.
Milk contains more vitamin B-12 in the recommended serving size than either eggs or chicken.
If you eat meat, fish or dairy foods, you should be able to get enough vitamin B12 from your diet. But as vitamin B12 is not found naturally in foods such as fruit, vegetables and grains, vegans may not get enough of it.
If it's only red meat you avoid – or red meat and poultry – you can still get B12 by drinking milk and eating yogurt and eggs. Strict vegetarians who avoid all animal products need to rely on foods fortified with B12 and, in many cases, B12 supplements.
You have to get it from outside sources. It occurs naturally in certain foods, like meat, dairy, and eggs. It's also added to some foods. On average, most people 14 and older need about 2.4 micrograms a day.
Another great source of B12 is eggs. Two large eggs (100 grams) supply about 46% of the DV for vitamin B12, plus 39% of the DV for vitamin B2. Research has shown that egg yolks have higher levels of vitamin B12 than egg whites and that the vitamin B12 in egg yolks is easier to absorb.
The body absorbs vitamin B12 from food in a two-step process. First, hydrochloric acid in the stomach separates vitamin B12 from the protein that it's attached to. Second, the freed vitamin B12 then combines with a protein made by the stomach, called intrinsic factor, and the body absorbs them together.
Coffee also seems to impact on the metabolism of some B vitamins like thiamine. Vitamin B12, though, looks like being a possible exception – indeed, caffeine's stimulation of stomach acid production may actually assist, instead of compromise, your body's B12 absorption.
Animal liver
Beef liver is one of the highest food sources of vitamin B12. A 3 oz. serving of beef liver contains 70.7 mcg, which is nearly 3,000% of the recommended daily value (DV) of vitamin B12. Lamb and veal liver are similarly high in B12, but it is beef liver that is the most nutrient dense.
However, dry fruits like almonds and peanuts have higher levels of vitamin B12. Other dry fruits do contain vitamin B12, but only in trace amounts, so they don't contribute much to your daily intake. It is recommended to supplement your diet with vitamin B12-rich fruits and vegetables.
Bananas are a cheap, healthy, and nutrient-dense fruit that can easily become a part of every individual's diet. It is one of the best fruits rich in vitamin B12.
Having a digestive system disorder: Digestive disorders such as celiac disease and Crohn's disease can make it more difficult for your body to absorb vitamin B12. Following a strict vegan or vegetarian diet: Vitamin B12 is only naturally found in animal products such as meat and dairy.
Though fairly uncommon, some people may develop vitamin B12 deficiency as a result of low levels in their daily diet. A balanced diet typically provides sufficient vitamin B12; however, strict vegans and people with a poor diet are at higher risk of developing a deficiency. Good sources of vitamin B12 include: Meat.
Vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia is usually treated with injections of vitamin B12, called hydroxocobalamin. At first, you'll have these injections every other day for 2 weeks or until your symptoms have started improving. Your GP or nurse will give the injections.
As the human body is incapable of producing vitamin B12 on its own, it's necessary to be active in consuming foods that are a rich source of this vitamin. The recommended daily intake of B12 is about 2µg, with a serving of two eggs satisfying 15% of your everyday requirements.