The B12 Conundrum

According to studies backed by the Vegan Society, there are now approximately 600,000 vegans in the UK. And it seems that number is now on the rise after a poll found that over the next year, 2.2 million people will go green.

- Mehmet Edip

But whilst a plant-based diet brings many known benefits, a common problem faced by vegans is a lack of B12 in their diet.

What is plant-based?

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, plant-based is a diet ‘consisting or made entirely of plants or mainly of plants’.

The diet can consist of fruit, vegetables, plants, seeds, nuts, grains and it refrains from including any animal products or by-products. This means the exclusion of all forms of dairy, eggs and even honey.

Vegan is a term used to describe a person who eats a plant-based diet and also does not wear or use any form of animal products or products that have been tested on animals.

What is B12?

B12 is a nutrient that plays an essential role in the production of red blood cells and DNA, as well as the proper functioning of the nervous system. It also helps to prevent a type of anaemia called megaloblastic anaemia that makes people tired and weak.

Where does B12 come from?

There is a misconception that B12 only comes from animal sources. Whilst that may be the case for many humans,

B12 is actually bacteria based, and it is synthesised by bacteria and is typically found in dirt and soil.

Before our drinking water and fruits started to become fortified, we used to obtain all of our B12 from the bacteria in dirt. And this is exactly how the animals we eat obtain their B12.