B12 from Fruits and Vegetables?

by Dominique
(Temple Hills, MD)

If soil is rich in B12 and our fruits and vegetables grow out of that soil, then wouldn't we be getting our B12 that way as opposed to the supplement? Thanks.

By the way I've been vegan 3.5 months and do not take B12 supplements.

*****

Sassy Sez - Hi Dominique. Please look over my Vegan Vitamin B12 page and you will find the answer to your question...

"It's very important for you to grasp that in our modern food supply B12 is found MOSTLY in animal products. Why? Because Vitamin B12 comes from our soil. When a cow, for instance, chomps on grass she eats this vitamin B12-enriched soil. There are also microorganisms located in the animal's intestine that produce Vitamin B12.

"And those ancestors of ours who were able to thrive on a plant-based diet without adding any Vegan Vitamin B12 supplements? Well, they were getting their food directly out of the ground still covered in soil -- soil which they were never quite able to completely remove. Our food today is usually very clean by the time it makes it to our stores, and then we further clean it in our own kitchen (since most of us don't like the taste of dirt). Goodbye Vitamin B12.

If you eat a vegan diet, you MUST be sure you're getting the amount of Vegan Vitamin B12 you need."

Dominique, you should consider supplementing your diet with a Vegan Vitamin B12 supplement. Visit my B12 page to learn the amounts I recommend. xo

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B12 from Fruits and Vegetables?

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May 07, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		response to the answer on my b 12 question
by: dominique

ok sassy. thanks. but that still doesnt answer my question completely. i understand the dirt being washed off the vegetable or fruit but if the plant is growing out of that dirt then the b 12 is within that plant...apart of that plant. therefore we would be reciving an efficient amount of b 12 because the vitamin is IN the plant, just not on its surface. thanks.
May 08, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		Vegetable Intake of Vitamin B12
by: Sassy

Hi again, Dominique.

Such a great question. In a perfect world, then yes I believe (and this is my opinion) that if our soils were in awesome and healthy condition and the nutrients were actually available for the plants to take up, then perhaps the plants would take up the B12 we need.

However, with the state of our soils today, I fear it is an impossibility.

In order to get that B12 into the soils today, farmers would likely have to use manure from animals (even human animals!), and not only is that unacceptable for most vegetarians, but in the case of human manure it could be downright risky (e. coli, etc.)

And even if the veggie does take it up, would there be a loss of the vitamin by the time it ships to your grocery store, and then you finally purchase it, get it home,and cook it up? I'm just not sure.

It is just such a gray area, that in my humble opinion it would be best to simply supplement to be sure your bases are covered.

I am, of course, open to hearing differing opinions on the topic. ;O) xo
May 08, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		b12?
by: Anonymous

ok thanks. but in that case then we would have to supplement all vitamins. but i plan on buying deva vegan b12 supplements anyways. thanks again. :-)
May 12, 2010
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starstarstarstarstar 		Correct!
by: Sassy

You are correct. The state of our soils today is so pitiful that it is smart to supplement.

Glad to know you're getting the B12. Deva makes a good one.

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