Vitamin B12 Content in Chicken
A 6-ounce (approximately 170 grams) serving of chicken breast contains approximately 0.5-0.6 micrograms of vitamin B12, which represents only about 12-15% of the daily recommended intake.
Nutritional Context
The provided evidence does not contain specific vitamin B12 content data for chicken. However, based on the nutritional tables and dietary guidance available:
- Chicken is classified as a moderate source of vitamin B12, not a primary source 1, 2, 3
- Primary dietary sources of B12 include red meat, organ meats (especially liver), fish, shellfish, eggs, and dairy products 2, 3, 4
- A 100g portion of chicken breast (approximately 3.5 ounces) provides 32.0g of protein but is not highlighted as a significant B12 source in nutritional guidelines 1
Daily Requirements and Food Sources
- The recommended daily intake of vitamin B12 is 2.4 μg/day for healthy adults 1
- The EFSA adequate intake is 4 μg/day based on biomarker combinations 1
- Pregnancy requires 5 μg/day and lactation requires 4.5 μg/day 1
Superior B12 Sources Compared to Chicken
To meet daily B12 requirements more effectively, consider these alternatives:
- Red meat (beef, lamb) provides significantly higher B12 content per serving 1, 2, 3
- Fish and shellfish are among the richest sources 2, 3, 4
- Organ meats, particularly liver, contain the highest concentrations 1, 2
- Eggs and dairy products provide reliable B12 sources 2, 3
- Fortified breakfast cereals can be highly effective for B12 intake 1
Clinical Implications
Relying solely on chicken for vitamin B12 intake is insufficient to meet daily requirements 1, 5. A 6-ounce serving would provide only a small fraction of the recommended daily intake, necessitating consumption of multiple servings or incorporation of richer B12 sources into the diet 1, 2.
Individuals at risk for B12 deficiency (vegetarians, elderly, those with malabsorption, or taking certain medications like metformin or proton pump inhibitors) should not depend on chicken as their primary B12 source 1, 5, 2, 4.