What every vegan should know about vitamin B12
Very low B12 intakes can cause anaemia and nervous system damage.
The only reliable vegan sources of B12 are foods fortified with B12
(including some plant milks, some soy products and some breakfast
cereals) and B12 supplements. Vitamin B12, whether in supplements,
fortified foods, or animal products, comes from micro-organisms.
Most vegans consume enough B12 to avoid anaemia and nervous system
damage, but many do not get enough to minimise potential risk of heart
disease or pregnancy complications.
To get the full benefit of a
vegan diet, vegans should do one of the following:
- eat fortified foods two or three times a day to get at least three micrograms (µg or mcg) of B12 a day or
- take one B12 supplement daily providing at least 10 micrograms or
- take a weekly B12 supplement providing at least 2000 micrograms.
If relying on fortified foods check the labels carefully to
make sure you are getting enough B12. For example, if a fortified
plant milk contains 1 microgram of B12 per serving then consuming
three servings a day will provide adequate vitamin B12. Others may
find the use of B12 supplements more convenient and
economical.
The less frequently you obtain B12 the more B12
you need to take, as B12 is best absorbed in small amounts. The
recommendations above take full account of this. There is no harm in
exceeding the recommended amounts or combining more than one option.
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If you don't
read another word about B12 you already know all you need to know. If you
want to know more, read more here.