TV doctor encourages the nation to ‘Wake up to B12’

Dr Ranj Singh has joined a morning milk round to deliver health advice to households. To support the return of our We Eat Balanced campaign the NHS doctor is encouraging Britons to ‘Wake Up to B12’, one of many important nutrients that we get from a healthy, balanced diet.

An AHDB study shows that one in four (26%) adults are unaware that vitamin B12 helps to reduce tiredness and fatigue, while a further quarter (27%) don’t understand B12’s role in helping the immune system to work normally. 

There’s also uncertainty as to how to consume the vitamin, only half of adults know which foods to consume to get their daily allowance of B12 Adults need around 1.5 micrograms of B12 a day, which is easy to achieve with a balanced diet. Foods containing vitamin B12 include dairy and red meat. 

And available at 95p for a pint from some supermarkets, milk is an affordable way to maintain a nutrient-rich diet for households struggling amid the cost-of-living crisis. In addition to being a natural source of B12, milk contains another six essential nutrients and minerals, including calcium, protein and potassium. 

To help UK consumers understand the benefits of getting B12 in your diet, the AHDB is encouraging the nation to ‘Wake Up to B12’, with a new hub for tips on how to incorporate milk and dairy products affordably into their breakfasts and other meals throughout the day.  

Commenting on the findings and his role in the campaign, Dr Ranj Singh said: “While many households will be looking to eat healthily in the most cost-effective way possible this year, milk is a great option for those that consume it, as it is packed with important nutrients like B12 at an affordable price.  

“This January I’d encourage families to ‘Wake Up to B12’ with a healthy breakfast made up of foods such as milk and other dairy products. Vitamin B12 can help to reduce tiredness and fatigue and can help your immune system to work normally.” 

Dr Ranj's top three health benefits of Vitamin B12: 

1. B12 can help to reduce tiredness and fatigue  
2. B12 can help support the immune system to work normally  
3. B12 helps the body to release energy from food  

A varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle are recommended for good health