Vitamin B12 helps keep the nerve and blood cells healthy in the body. Inadequacy can lead to megaloblastic anaemia that leave you feeling tired and weak, and can also lead to nerve damage.
Vegetarians can get vitamin B12 from eggs and dairy. If you are a vegan, you can get vitamin B12 from a variety of fortified foods such as breakfast cereals, nutritional yeasts, as well as soy yoghurts and beverages. If you're having trouble getting enough vitamin B12 from food, consult with a doctor, dietitian, or pharmacist regarding dietary supplements.
Does “plant-based” necessarily mean healthy?
Food products labelled "vegetarian" or "vegan" do not necessarily mean they're healthy or nutritious. Cookies, chips, sweetened cereals, vegetarian burgers and sausages might be plant-based, but they are likely high in fats, added sugar and sodium. Therefore, it's important to eat smart by checking food labels.
In addition, fortified foods vary in formulation, so it's important to check product labels to determine which added nutrients they contain.
See also: 5 Fad Diets: A Dietitian Lays Down The Facts