Today's Hot Topic: Vitamin B12!

Today’s intriguing subject is Vitamin B12. You are no doubt aware of our daily nutritional requirements: vitamins, minerals, protein, fats, carbs, etc. However, one vitamin that is often overlooked is—you guessed it—Vitamin B12! I learned about Vitamin B12 the hard way (but more on that later!). Let’s take a closer look at this extremely important vitamin. In fact, if you're raw vegan, it's your most important vitamin to be aware of!

In short, if you eat 100% raw vegan foods, you are going to naturally get almost zero B12 in your diet, so you must take a Vitamin B12 supplement. It's the most important supplement -- I am not into taking excessive pills and it's the only vitamin I take.

B12: A Quick Look

B12 is mainly found in animal sources, fortified foods, and supplements, which is why it's practically impossible to get as a raw vegan. Vitamin B12 keeps our nerve and blood cells ticking along. It also helps prevent anaemia. Vitamin B12 can be stored in our bodies for years, but watch out if those stores get depleted!

Primary sources of B12 

B12 is found in meat, fish, eggs, milk and milk products. Some foods are fortified with B12, such as cereals, some nutritional yeasts, and meal-replacement shakes. Or you can buy B12 supplements. B12 doesn't occur naturally in fruits and vegetables, although it is found in the dirt your produce grows in! 

Alternate sources of B12

Some foods do contain minimal amounts of B12. Inca berries and blue algae are apparently two such sources. If you must use alternate sources, do your homework. From what I’ve read, you would need to eat an awful lot of Inca berries & algae to meet your daily nutritional requirements! Not realistic. 

Plus, if you are diagnosed with a deficiency, these sources will not be enough to restore your levels to normal. Supplements will be required, especially if you are exhibiting deficiency symptoms. Take your doctor’s advice here!

Symptoms of B12 deficiency

A couple of years ago, after being 100% raw for a few years, I noticed an unnerving tingling in my hands and feet that didn’t go away. Blood tests showed a B12 deficiency. I immediately started taking B12 supplements (doctor ordered!), because if a B12 deficiency isn’t properly and quickly treated, neurological symptoms (like the tingling) may be irreversible. That, I did not want to risk! (Even “low-normal” B12 levels can cause symptoms.) This is serious stuff, so if you don't eat animal products you simply must take a B12 vitamin consistently.

Types of supplements 

B12 is commonly used in pill or liquid form. Other forms are available but I’ll get to that in a moment!

The daily recommendation for B12 is actually quite low: minimum 2.4 mcg for adults (higher for pregnant/lactating women). Look for the methylcobalamin form of B12 in your supplement. 

If you are extremely low in B12, your doc may recommend a high daily dosage of B12 (1000mcg or higher!). But if you are dangerously deficient, or suffer from malabsorption issues, your doctor may recommend nasal drops, sublingual pills (dissolved beneath tongue) or B12 injections. Some factors that prevent absorption are anaemia, illness, bowel disease, or chronic use of antacids like Zantac & Pepcid.

Make sure you’re getting your B12. That's an order!

If you're a raw vegan, you must take a B12 supplement of some kind. If you choose not to supplement, make sure you are getting the recommended amount of B12, whatever source you’re using even if that means compromising in your 100% raw diet. Remember: if you're totally raw vegan, there is no food source for B12, so you must supplement. I also recommend getting your B12 levels tested. You need to know where your levels are at!

My experience with B12 deficiency was a wake-up call! Luckily, my symptoms disappeared, and I continue to take a daily supplement. Think about it—are you getting enough B12 in your diet?