sources of B12?

althea

Two books I currently have from the library both say B12 is usable ONLY if it comes from an animal source.  I get supplements that are entirely plant-based and the label says it contains B12.  I find a lot of information from the vegan camp compelling.  I like the idea of a diet completely free of animal products.  Getting it past my lips is another matter.    Now this B12 dilemma.  Does anyone have information about B12 plant sources that we can assimilate? 

FloridaLady

Good question Althea....

Flalady

BlindedByScience

Hi, Althea

Maybe we can dig up more research on the issue of B12, but what you're looking for is methylcobalamin (versus cyanocobalamin). Some people cannot convert cyanocobalamin to the active form and that's why they suggest getting it from meat. Liver is especially rich.

While sources routinely say no plants make B12, plants can be contaminated with B12 or B12 mimics. Bacteria are the source for B12. Naturally fermented foods like yogurt, sauerkraut, & tempeh contain variable amounts of B12 depending on the bacteria that did the fermentation. It is not standardized. Cows have bacteria in their rumen which produce B12 and some of this is passed on in milk, meat & manure. (Manure contamination of plants is one way to find B12 from plant sources, as is bacterial contamination from soil microbes and legume symbiotes.)

If you choose a vegan diet, your safest bet is supplementation.  A B12 deficiency is serious, and although supplementation with folic acid can mask the anemia, it doesn't prevent the neurological damage that can occur with a B12 deficiency.

You will be able to find lots of suppliers of methylcobalamin. A quick search on www.iherb.com turned up a bunch.