The Study
Vitamin B12 Sources and Bioavailability
This study is like a summary of what other people have said about vitamin B12 in food — it doesn’t do any new experiments or tests. So we can’t say for sure that one food is better than another — we just know what some experts think.
Analysis score
Maximum 5 for a narrative review.
Where the score came from
Your body can only absorb a little bit of B12 at a time, and not all foods give you the same amount. Meat helps, eggs don't, and some 'B12' from algae is fake.
Where does this study sit?
Systematic Reviews & Meta-analyses
Max 100Randomized Trials
Max 90Cohort Studies
Max 72Case-Control
Max 58Cross-Sectional
Max 44Case Reports & Series
Max 30Expert Opinion
Max 51 / 100
Quality score
Based on clinical experience or non-systematic literature reviews. The lowest level of evidence as they are most susceptible to bias and personal perspective.
Key takeaways
Summary
Based on the study abstract and findings.
- 1Yes — eating more B12 in one meal doesn't help if you're already over 2 micrograms, and some plant-based sources won't help at all.
- 2Fish: 42% absorbed, sheep meat: 56%-89%, chicken: 61%-66%, eggs: less than 9%.
- 3Body stops absorbing well after 1.5–2.0 micrograms per meal.
- 4Algae supplements often have fake B12.
Score breakdown, methodology, conflicts of interest, evidence analysis & raw study data
Publication
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.