The essential question of getting enough Vitamin B12 for vegans

Hi Trinity,

I know how much Bree and Ilana are loved and respected and how they feel like part of the family and share much joy. I am aware of times when animals have helped to heal. The examples I referred to previously where at the other end of the spectrum, where there didn't seem to be much respect or awareness for the animals. "Pets" seems to be another example of feeling what is right in each situation, living with awareness and making conscious choices.

Love, Fiona

Hi Amber,

I think you raise an interesting point about domesticated animals. I sometimes contemplate the rightness of this too, particularly when I see dogs being led on leads or owners trying to get them to behave in a particular way, sometimes shouting at them. I do acknowledge that pets such as cats and dogs can bring much love and healing to people too.

I know of a dog whose first litter of puppies were taken away once they were old enough. When the dog had her second litter, she more-or-less abandoned them and seemed to me to be depressed. Such heart-breaking examples do make me question the keeping of pets.

I'd be interested in hearing the views of others.

Love, Fiona

That's a very interesting article Trinity. How ironic is the suggestion that the reason we no longer produce our own source of B12 is due to the introduction of meat into the diet!

Hi Amber, a tricky one indeed, thanks for sharing. For me the bacteria based supplements from the herbalist/health food store felt like a better option than the artificially produced B12 they put in the injections. On the positive side the only other ingredients in the injection were salt and water (compared to the extra ingredients in some of the other more medical supplements I explored!) The injection is usually hydroxocobalamin (if you are in the UK at least), from what I understand this is a combination of cyanocobalamin (not so easily absorbed and less beneficial for humans) and methylcobalamin (best type). You can request an injection of the latter if you feel inclined. Best wishes with the exploration.

Love, Fiona

Thanks Trinity,

I can't believe I have overlooked the B12 issue for so long! It is my desire to live as pure a life as I can and in our modern society it feels like I make many compromises (or conscious choices). I guess taking supplements feels like another compromise though sometimes necessary, since as you say most of us are "de-natured" nowadays and don't get our B12 like our ancestors would have.

Luckily unlike iron you can't overdose on vitamin B12 as one of the supplements has 48,000% of the daily EC recommended daily allowance :) That should be plenty - lol :)

Love, Fiona

Thanks for the useful reply Trinity.

That's a very informative article, I had briefly read it previously, it was good to look back on it again more thoroughly. This statement particularly caught my attention - "If for any reason you choose not to use fortified foods or supplements you should recognise that you are carrying out a dangerous experiment." and "B12 need never be a problem for well informed vegans"

You are right about absorption playing such an important role and I have been paying more attention as I eat recently. As well as vitamin c and other nutrients, I think that non-physical factors may have a role to play. I am aware that I sometimes over eat or eat too quickly or pay too little attention while eating and suspect that this may have a negative impact on how effective my digestion might be.

I had overlooked that the B12 in yeast was fortified, that's useful to be reminded of - thanks. I think I will find other sources.

Interestingly when I went to the herbal shop, the guy I spoke too had recently completed a paper on B12 (I love the synchronicity). He was able to tell me that there were two main types of b12 and that methylcobalamin is the one that is far more beneficial for us. He suggested a spray form for higher absorption rates and also informed me that you could wear a patch on your arm as a method of intake.

He also spoke about absorption and vitamin C. He suggested the use of lemon with food, I'm now curious if this has to do with the vitamin c or acid or something else.

It's been really helpful to explore here, hoepfully it will be useful for others too, thanks, love Fiona