Vitamin B complex is a high strength combination of 8 essential B vitamins and something that has proven to be particularly necessary for those with a vegan diet as the main foods you will find it in are milk, eggs, cheese, liver, kidney, meat, fish and shellfish – obviously all things that vegans can’t eat. It is however found in dark green vegetables as well like spinach and kale but the quantities are much lower so you would need to eat a lot of it to get your daily recommended amount, it is far easier to take a supplement instead.

The Rise Of Veganism

Veganism is growing in popularity all the time, and whilst there has been a 40% increase in vegans in the last year as well as plant-based food sales growing three times faster than others, vegans still only actually account for 1% of the worlds population. We live in a time where social media, influencers and celebrities have a greater impact on peoples lives than ever and we tend to see many of the A-list Hollywood actors, singers and sports stars saying they are vegan so it is easy to think a lot of people are, but in actual fact this isn’t the case. There is no doubt that veganism will continue to grow in the coming years but what we are more likely to see is people just switching part of their diet to more plant-based food. There will never be a time when the bulk of the population is fully vegan but there will no doubt be a time when your average person is eating plant-based meals a few times a week alongside dairy, meat and fish on the other days.

The Benefits of Vitamin B Complex

As mentioned earlier in the article, vegans tend to struggle with getting enough vitamin B and therefore supplements are essential but vitamin B complex isn’t exclusively for vegans, we all need it and some don’t get it in high enough quantities no matter what their diet is. B vitamins have a direct impact on your energy levels, brain function and cell metabolism, it is also said that they may help with preventing infections and improving cell health.

What is the difference between Vitamin B12 and Vitamin B Complex?

Vitamin B12 is one of the 8 B vitamins contained within vitamin B complex, so complex includes vitamin B12 as part of it where as B12 on its own is just one of the 8. Vitamin B complex contains vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12 and whilst all of them are different you do tend to find that groups of them will be found in the same foods so you don’t need to eat specific foods for each of the 8. Milk for example contains B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B12. You are therefore getting 6 out of the 8 B vitamins within vitamin B complex by drinking it.