B12 Don't try living without it.

Eating in a restaurant during my early days of being vegan, my waiter advised me to take a B12 supplement. He explained that he was vegan and that B12 is not available in a plant-based diet. Good advice, that I'm passing on. Your body needs vitamin B12 to make enough red blood cells and keep your nervous system working. You can eat B12 fortified foods or take a supplement. I chose the supplement. My Nurse Practitioner runs a complete blood count (CBC) with my annual blood work to ensure my B12 is normal, which it is.

Vitamin B 12 is water soluble, so it absorbs best on an empty stomach. Take it 30 mins before you eat or 2 hours after a meal. As always, it's a good idea to check with your doctor before trying any supplements, especially if you are taking other medications where drug interactions are possible.