The Forgotten Nutrient: How B12 Impacts Energy, Mood and Muscle Repair
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When it comes to nutrition, most of us know the drill: protein builds muscle, carbs fuel workouts, and fats keep our hormones in check. But there’s one powerhouse nutrient that often gets overlooked—Vitamin B12. It doesn’t get the spotlight like protein or creatine, but it plays a vital role in how we feel and perform every day.
Let’s break down why B12 deserves your attention—especially if you're active, plant-based, or simply tired of feeling tired.
🧠 B12 and Brainpower: Mood, Memory & Mental Clarity
Vitamin B12 helps produce brain chemicals that influence mood and cognitive function. Low B12 levels have been linked to brain fog, irritability, low motivation, and even depression. If you’ve ever struggled to focus at work or felt inexplicably drained despite good sleep, B12 might be playing a role.
That's because B12 helps with the synthesis of neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine—your brain’s feel-good chemicals. Without enough of it, the system just doesn’t fire as efficiently.
⚡ Energy Levels: It's More Than Just Caffeine
Think you're tired because you didn’t sleep well? It might be more than that. B12 is essential for red blood cell production, which means it helps carry oxygen around your body. Without enough oxygen, your cells can’t generate energy properly—cue that constant, dragging fatigue.
Unlike a caffeine boost, B12 supports real, cellular-level energy—not just a temporary spike. It's what helps keep your body firing on all cylinders, especially during high-intensity exercise or long workdays.
💪 Muscle Repair & Recovery
After a workout, your body enters rebuild mode. B12 supports the production of new cells, including those responsible for repairing and growing muscle tissue. It also helps metabolise protein more efficiently, so you actually get more out of every gram you eat.
For anyone lifting, climbing, or pushing physical limits, that recovery process is non-negotiable—and B12 is a behind-the-scenes MVP.
🚨 Are You Getting Enough?
Here’s the kicker: B12 is mostly found in animal products, which means vegetarians and vegans are particularly at risk of deficiency. But even meat-eaters can fall short—especially if they have gut issues, take certain medications, or are over 50 (as absorption decreases with age).
Symptoms of low B12 can be subtle: fatigue, pins and needles, poor memory, low mood, muscle weakness. If that sounds familiar, it might be worth checking your levels or making sure your diet includes reliable sources.
🦗 A Natural Source You Might Not Expect
Crickets—yes, really—are an excellent source of bioavailable B12. That’s part of why we included them in our blend at Ento. Not only are they sustainable and high in complete protein, but they naturally contain B12 in a form your body can actually absorb. For anyone cutting back on meat or dairy but still chasing performance, that’s a game changer.
Final Thought
Vitamin B12 might not be trendy, but it is essential. It’s one of those quiet nutrients that keeps the wheels turning in the background—until it doesn’t. Prioritising it can lead to better energy, clearer thinking, faster recovery, and a more balanced mood. Sounds worth remembering, right?