10 Things You Need to Know About B12

6. Vitamin B12 During Pregnancy

The National Institutes of Health recommends pregnant women consume 2.6 mcg of B12 daily and nursing mothers 2.8 mcg of B12 per day. Folic acid has many benefits for developing babies, and so does vitamin B12. Good levels of folate can help prevent spina bifida, neural tube, and other neurological defects. Increasing vitamin B12 with supplements and diet changes that incorporate fortified foods and those that naturally contain B12 can ensure enough of the vitamin is being absorbed to provide for the growing fetus. During pregnancy, vitamin B12 crosses the placenta to support nervous system development. After birth, babies get vitamin B12 from breast milk or formula.