(04-18-2013, 07:03 PM)MarcRammer Wrote: [ -> ]Monica, what's your take on vitamin b-12 in the vegan diet?
This is a very complex issue, because there's something called a B12 analogue which masquerades as B12 but can actually hinder B12 levels. Many of the plant foods believed to be good sources of B12 actually contain analogues.
There have been many studies done, with confusing results. My conclusion is that B12 can be found in plant foods, depending on the microorganisms in the soil. This is more likely to happen with organic produce, but it's still not reliable. Decades of chemical farming have depleted the soil and most foods are highly denatured as a result.
In other words, our foods just aren't what they were intended to be! Now add GMOs to the mix and the situation is further compounded.
This shows that the B12 deficiency problem isn't an indication that the vegan diet is inadequate; rather, it's an indication that our food supply is seriously messed up!
Fermented foods also
can contain B12, depending on the particular bacteria in the cultures used in the fermentation process. Historically, people ate a lot of fermented foods, in virtually every culture around the world. But nowadays, most people eat very little fermented food. Even foods that are thought to be fermented, like sauerkraut and pickles, are now made with vinegar, instead of being actually fermented. One must make a point to seek out truly fermented foods, or ferment them themselves.
Even then, fermented foods like tempeh no longer have B12, because of sanitary processing methods.
In short, back when people ate dirty vegetables and bacteria-laden, fermented foods, and the soils were still rich with microorganisms, they didn't have to worry about B12.
B12 is the only nutrient that's a real challenge for vegans, but actually it's a challenge for meat-eaters too! Many meat-eaters are B12 deficient as well, especially among the elderly.
Because the impact on one's health can be severe if they are B12 deficient, it's prudent to supplement, even if one does eat organic and fermented foods. I'd even go so far as to say I think it's irresponsible not to, especially with children. This is one case in which being a purist doesn't serve the intended objective. Just take a B12 supplement; case closed. Until our planet is restored to its clean, natural state, it's simply what we must do. It is what it is.
Again, this isn't a strike against the vegan diet; it's a strike against what's been done to our planet.
The problem is quite easily addressed by simply taking a squirt of liquid B-12 several times a week or so.
