Why Vitamin B12 in Pregnancy Is More Important Than You Think

A Fascinating Study on B12 and Babies

Researchers followed babies born to mothers who had low B12 levels during pregnancy. They kept track of these kids over the years to see how they developed.

What they found was really interesting—and a bit alarming too.

There were three main areas where these children didn’t do as well later in life:

1. Higher Risk of Anemia

No surprise here.

B12 is essential for healthy red blood cells. Without enough B12, the body can’t make red blood cells properly. That’s why one of the first signs of low B12 is anemia—you feel tired, weak, and worn out.

And these kids, whose moms were low in B12 while pregnant, were much more likely to become anemic themselves.

2. Poorer Nerve and Motor Development

B12 is what I call a nerve vitamin.

It’s critical for your brain, your spinal cord, and all those nerves that help you move, think, and feel.

In the study, these kids had more trouble with motor skills. Their mobility and overall neurological development weren’t as strong as those whose mothers had good B12 levels.

Even as they got older, they were behind in movement and coordination. That’s a big deal.

3. Weaker Gut Development

This one surprised a lot of people.

The researchers found that the digestive tracts of these children just didn’t develop as well when their moms were low in B12.

Now, this doesn’t mean the kids had deformities. But their gut health was weaker. That can mean more tummy trouble, poor digestion, and even a weaker immune system since so much of our immune function lives in the gut.

Why B12 Deficiency Is So Common

Now here’s the thing—low B12 levels are everywhere today.

And there are a few big reasons why:

1. People Aren’t Eating Enough Red Meat

B12 is found almost exclusively in animal products. The best source by far? Red meat.

But people today are scared of red meat. They’ve been told it’s bad for their heart or bad for the planet. So they avoid it.

That’s a problem—because you can’t get enough B12 from plants. Not even close. Even the best plant sources barely give enough for a mouse.

If you want healthy B12 levels, you’ve got to eat red meat. Period.

2. B12 Is Hard to Absorb

Even if you eat meat, your body still has to absorb the B12.

And that’s not always easy. B12 is a big, complicated vitamin. It needs special factors in your stomach to break it down and absorb it.

If you have low stomach acid (very common), poor digestion, or gut issues like IBS—you may not be absorbing B12 well at all.

3. Most Doctors Don’t Check It Anymore

Years ago, if you walked into your doctor’s office tired or worn out, they’d give you a B12 shot without even blinking.

It was normal. It worked.

But today? It’s almost impossible to get a B12 shot. And many doctors don’t even think to check your levels unless it’s dangerously low.

That’s a mistake—because sub-optimal B12 can still cause real health issues. Your B12 doesn’t have to be rock-bottom for you to feel the effects.

What’s the Best Way to Take B12?

The good news? You don’t need a needle to get your B12 back up.

The best way today is a sublingual supplement. That means you let it melt under your tongue.

It skips your stomach and goes right into your bloodstream.

Research shows that this form is just as effective—sometimes more—than the old-school B12 shots. And it’s way more convenient.

How Much B12 Do You Need?

Honestly? More than you think.

Most people aren’t just a little low—they’re way under what’s ideal. Your B12 levels should be optimized, not just “normal.”

That’s why I recommend taking B12 daily—especially if you:

• Feel tired or foggy
• Have gut issues
• Don’t eat much red meat
• Are pregnant or trying to conceive

You want your tank full, not running on fumes.

Final Thoughts

B12 isn’t just important—it’s essential.

It powers your nervous system, your red blood cells, your brain, and even your gut. And during pregnancy, it plays a huge role in your baby’s development.

That study was clear: low B12 in moms leads to more anemia, slower motor development, and weaker digestive systems in their kids.

So what can you do?

• Eat more red meat
• Avoid B12-killing meds like acid blockers, if possible
• Take a sublingual B12 supplement daily
• And get your levels checked—aim for optimal, not average

Talk to you soon!