Elevating your vitamin B12 intake is essential as it’s crucial for optimal health. Primarily, B12 is found in animal-based foods like meat, fish, eggs, and dairy. For individuals following vegetarian diets or experiencing conditions like pregnancy or nursing, supplementation might be necessary to prevent deficiencies. As the body doesn’t naturally produce vitamin B12, it must be sourced from dietary choices or supplements.
- Clams
- Beef
- Sardines
- Animal liver and kidneys
- Tuna
- Fortified cereal
- Salmon
- Trout
- Fortified nutritional yeast
- Milk and dairy products
- Eggs
- Fortified non-dairy milk
Clams
Clams, those small, chewy shellfish, pack a nutritional punch. Beyond being a lean source of protein, they’re teeming with vitamin B12, boasting over 7000% of the Daily Value (DV) in a mere 20 small clams (190 grams). Remarkably, they’re also an iron powerhouse, supplying nearly 200% of the DV in a 100-gram serving. Alongside these benefits, clams present a rich source of antioxidants.
Interestingly, it’s not just the clam meat rich in vitamin B12; even the broth from boiled clams boasts substantial levels. Canned clam broth, for instance, offers between 113% and 588% of the DV per 3.5 ounces. The versatility of clams, whether enjoyed whole or in broth, makes them an exceptional addition to a vitamin B12-rich diet. [1]
