Vitamin B12 is an essential, water-soluble vitamin found primarily in animal-based foods, such as fish, shellfish, meat, eggs, and dairy products. The recommended daily intake for adults is 2.4 micrograms (mcg), although pregnant and breastfeeding women may need more, which is worth discussing with your doctor.

Benefits: Vitamin B12 performs several vital functions in the body:

• Cognitive functions: supports the proper functioning of the brain and nervous system, helps maintain mental alertness.

• Protein synthesis and cell division: plays a role in the production of DNA and proteins, as well as in cell growth and regeneration.

• Energy production: an important cofactor in energy production processes, which is especially important for Hashimoto's patients, who often struggle with fatigue and exhaustion.

• Immune system health: helps maintain healthy immune system function and supports homocysteine metabolism.

What is homocysteine and why is it important?

Homocysteine is a naturally occurring amino acid found in blood plasma. Excessively high homocysteine levels have been linked to diseases such as heart disease, stroke, Alzheimer's disease and osteoporosis. Vitamin B12 plays an important role in regulating homocysteine levels and thus helps prevent these diseases.

Hashimoto's and B12 Absorption Difficulties

People with Hashimoto's are particularly at risk for B12 deficiency because hypothyroidism can impair the absorption of nutrients from the digestive tract. Thyroid hormones play an important role in regulating metabolism, including the functioning of the digestive tract. When thyroid hormone levels are low, digestion and the extraction of nutrients from food become more difficult, which can lead to various nutrient deficiencies, including B12 deficiency.

Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency in thyroid patients

• Chronic fatigue

• Numbness or tingling in the limbs

• Depression, memory loss

• Shortness of breath and palpitations

• Muscle weakness

Natural sources: liver, meats (beef, pork), fish (salmon, tuna), eggs, dairy products