💊 Feeling tired, foggy, or low on energy? In this episode, Registered Dietitian Rachel Fine explores the essential role of vitamin B12 in a dancer’s diet—and whether supplements are truly necessary.

Learn how to:

✅ Spot the signs of a possible B12 deficiency

✅ Understand where B12 comes from in food

✅ Make informed choices about testing and supplementation

📅 Perfect for: dancers following plant-based diets or struggling with low energy and fatigue.

👉🏼 Read the full blog: https://dancenutrition.com/vitamin-b12/

📲 Follow on Instagram: @ToThePointeNutrition

🔔 Subscribe: Nutrition for Dancers on YouTube

🎙️ Listen on Apple + Spotify: Nutrition for Dancers with The Dance Nutritionist® Podcast

Rachel Fine, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, Certified Sports Nutritionist, Certified Eating Disorder Specialist, and Certified Counselor of Intuitive Eating works with dancers to help them build supportive relationships with both food and body. 

Disclaimer: This is produced for informational purposes only. This information is general, not specific to you. The information in this podcast does not substitute for medical advice. The viewer assumes full responsibility for consulting a qualified health professional regarding health conditions or concerns, and before starting a new diet or health program.

Timestamps ⬇️ (Skip to the section you need!)

0:00 – Introduction: Fueling Dance Energy

Why nutrition matters for sustaining energy and performance in dance.

1:49 – Why Vitamin B12 Is Key for Dancers

An overview of B12’s critical role in dancer health and energy.

2:17 – Common Causes of Underfueling in Dancers

Why busy schedules often lead to missing key nutrients like B12.

3:01 – B12’s Role in Energy and Muscle Function

How B12 helps convert food into usable energy and supports muscles.

4:20 – Signs of B12 Deficiency Dancers Should Watch For

Recognizing fatigue and other subtle symptoms of B12 deficiency.

5:04 – B12 Deficiency Risks: Plant-Based & Clean Eating Diets

How diet choices can increase risk of not getting enough B12.

6:41 – The Downside of Restrictive Eating for Nutrient Intake

Why strict “clean eating” can unintentionally limit important nutrients.

7:02 – Food-First Approach: Avoid Self-Diagnosing

Why working with professionals beats guessing your nutrient status.

8:18 – When to Seek Help for B12 and Digestive Issues

The value of medical support for absorption problems and nutrition.

9:16 – Top Animal-Based Sources of Vitamin B12

Foods like poultry, beef, eggs, and dairy rich in B12.

9:37 – Plant-Based Options for Meeting B12 Needs

Fortified foods and nutritional yeast for vegan and vegetarian dancers.

10:15 – B12-Rich Recipes for Dancers

Try these recipes from Rachel’s blog to boost your B12 intake.

10:54 – Join The Healthy Dancer®

How this program helps dancers fuel well and dismantle restrictive diets.