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| Its deficiency is associated with heart palpitations. All vitamin B12 found in nature is made by microorganisms (bacteria essentially), and none is found in sterile plants. There is debate over the reliability of non-animal sources of Vitamin B12. It was found that people on vegan diets had lower levels of serum B12 levels than the general population. In the U.S., however, large scale production and improved sanitation decreases the mold and bacteria and the subsequent B12 content of the food. The most reliable non-animal, but natural, source of B12 seems to be fortified brewers yeast. The current US RDA for vitamin B12 is 6mcg, but less for children and more for nursing and pregnant women. For those suspected of having low B12 levels, 2,000mcg once a day for two weeks sublingually should replenish stores. Long-term B12 Supplementation B12 supplementation is especially important for those who consume few or no animal products - vegetarians, vegans and raw-food vegans/fruitarians. For some people it is hard to remember to take something once a week and they may prefer to get into the habit of taking something every day, which is more physiologically natural. |