B-Vitamins

Beef boasts a complete package of the B-complex vitamins – thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, B6 and B12. These vitamins are essential for a variety of functions such as normal metabolism of all cells, appetite regulation, and healthy neurological function.

Research shows that the five B-complex vitamins found in beef may help protect against cognitive decline such as age-related dementia.1,2

A bit more about Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is unique in the B-complex family because it is found naturally only in foods of animal origin, particularly meat such as beef, poultry, fish, eggs and milk products. Beef is one of the richest sources of vitamin B12 – a 100g serving of cooked beef provides 170% of the Estimated Average Requirement.

Marginal or low vitamin B12 status may increase the risk of poor pregnancy outcomes, cardiovascular disease, poor bone health and cognitive impairment throughout life.3,4,5,6,7

Although common, vitamin B12 deficiency often goes undiagnosed due to subtle symptoms; however, deficiency may result in serious neuropsychiatric and hematological consequences.2

Symptoms of deficiency may include anemia, fatigue, weakness, loss of appetite, numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, depression, confusion, poor memory or dementia. Pregnant women, children and older adults are at the most risk of marginal or deficient Vitamin B12 status.

Practice Point
Recent research suggests there is a moderate association between neural tube defects and low maternal B12 status3; one such study found a marginal vitamin B12 status increased the risk of spina bifida by 3.5 times.8

Pregnant and breastfeeding women need more vitamin B12 than any other age or stage in their life. Encourage inclusion of animal foods, like beef and milk, to support the healthy early development of infants.

Want to know more?
For more on health and Vitamin B12, download Vitamin B12 and the Health of Canadians (PDF 196KB). This resource includes a reproducible fact sheet for your clients.

1. Bourre JM. J Nutr Health Aging. 2006;10(5);377-85.

2. Powers HJ. Am J Clin Nutr 2003;77:1352-60.

3. Ray JG and Blom HJ. QJM, 2003; 96(4):289-95.

4. Robertson J et al. CMAJ, 2005; 17(2):1569-73.

5. Herrmann M et al. Clin Chem Lab Med, 2005; 43(10:1111-7.

6. Bernard MA et al. J Am Geriatr Soc, 1998; 46:1199-1206.

7. Refsum H et al. Am J Clin Nutr, 2001; 74:233-41.

8. Groenen PM et al. Am J Obstet Gynecol, 2004; 191(1):11-7.