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Originally Posted by Addict  I'm not saying B12 is a problem for vegans. All they have to do is take a supplement. I am arguing that there are no natural vegan sources. |
That's not true, plants grown in organic soil naturally absorb B12 from neighboring microorganisms.
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Vitamin B12 is made by microorganisms found in the soil and by microorganisms in the intestines of animals, including our own. The amount made in our intestines is not adequately absorbed, so it is recommended that we consume B12 in food. Research has convincingly shown that plants grown in healthy soil that has a good concentration of vitamin B12 will readily absorb this nutrition.¹ However, plants grown in "lifeless" soil (non-organic soil) may be deficient in vitamin B12. In addition, we live in such a sanitized world that we rarely come into direct contact with the soil-borne microorganisms that produce B12. At one point in our history we got B12 from vegetables that hadn't been scoured of all soil. Therefore, it is not unreasonable to assume that modern Americans who eat highly cleansed plant products and no animal products are unlikely to get enough vitamin B12.
1. Mozafar A. "Enrichment of some B-vitamins in plants with application of organic fertilizers" Plant and Soil 167 (1994): 305-311.
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Source:
The China Study: The Most Comprehensive Study of Nutrition Ever Conducted and the Startling Implications for Diet, Weight Loss and Long-term Health Pages: 232, 474.