Causes of B12 DeficiencyWhat are the causes of B12 deficiency? What are the signs? What does vitamin b12 do and why is it important? Should raw foodists and vegans supplement? These questions will be answered here. Symptoms of B12 deficiency If you don't get enough b12, you might become anemic. You don't carry enough oxygen to your blood. You look pale and your immune system might become weak. But there are be many other signs of B12 deficiency:
In babies or toddlers, the child may start to look pale, fail to thrive or have weak muscles. There can also be many "slow" symptoms. Symptoms that you don't notice immediately, but show only over time. Actually, it might be a reason why some people don't feel well on raw, vegetarian or vegan diets. Causes of B12 Deficiency The main causes of b12 deficiency is age. As you get older, it becomes harder for your body to absorb B12. This may be due to low stomach acid that comes with age or intestinal problems such as ulcers or having part of the intestine removed or taking medications such as antacids and laxatives on a regular basis. Other causes of B12 deficiency: when you don't eat meat, fish or dairy. Because these are vitamin b12 foods and you don't find this vitamin in fruits or plants. That's why 80% of all vegans - who don't supplement - are deficient in this vitamin. Vitamin b12 deficiency in toddlers and babies Consistent research has shown that vegans (including raw food vegans) have a high chance of not getting enough B12. This is especially true for babies and toddlers!! You store this vitamin in your body. This stored B12 is not transferred to the baby through the breast milk. A vegan or vegetarian mother should take daily supplements in order to supply her baby through breast milk! Even among mothers who do eat animal products, the babies may not get enough of this important B vitamin. However, research has shown that as long as the mother supplements during breastfeading, the baby should be OK. What does vitamin B12 do? Why is vitamin B12 so important? What does this vitamin do? It supports our nerves, energy production and red blood cells. It helps to decrease our homocysteine and thereby the risk of heart disease and weakening of the arteries and nerves. In September 2007, we interviewed David Wolfe on this topic. Listen to what he has to say about it. Best B12 supplements If you're on a raw vegan diet causes of b12 deficiency can be prevented by taking supplements. You don't need much vitamin B12. David Wolfe eats ants occasionally. This provides him with sufficient B12! If you don't wish to eat ants like he does, methylcobalamin - 1000 mcg (sublingual) is a great source (i.e. from Natural Factors). Nano B-12 is another good source. This is the best B12 supplement because they are absorbed easily. Rejuvenac (fermented wheat drink) is also a good source of vitamin B12. However, though this is a natural and vegan drink, you should know that the Hippocrates Health Institute (Raw food institute in Florida) advises not to drink this because of the high amount of fermentation. If you prefer to get it from (raw) food: the best food sources are:
Some people believe see vegetables are a good source of B12, but there is not sufficient research that shows sea greens contain b12. Especially if you are breasfeeding or are pregnant, I wouldn't take the change. Take supplements.
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