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Originally Posted by The David  I recently wrote a research paper on strict vegetarianism. The research seemed to indicate that veganism was adequate, and even ideal. However, the only source of B12 that I heard of was an oral supplement. Is it possible to be vegan and get B12 naturally? |
Understand that the b12 in animals is not FROM the animal but rather from the bacteria in the animal's environment or gut. We don't have the right gut, and we overwash all our food so it can't come from our environment.
The reality is that the NON-vegan diets are also are coming up deficient in things like b12, vit d, or sometimes iron or zinc.
Commonly meats are also very low in b12. For example, chicken seems to be the most popular meat among my meat-eating friends. A half-chicken breast only gives you 6% of your RDA of Vitamin B12, so if you're a meat-eater you'd better be ready to eat SEVENTEEN chicken breasts every day(!)
There is also some controversy on how much b12 may get lost in the cooking process. And others debate about how nutrient deficient modern processed factory-farm steroid-enhanced meat is compared to what used to pass for meat.
Bottom line: looks like everyone would benefit from a good multi-vitamin, whether you're vegan or not. Neither diet is "adequate" if you aspire to meet the government RDA for B12 and all other vitamins/minerals.