Vitamin B12 and Vegans

With micro-nutrients that are as controversial as B12, there is A LOT of material to wade through. MOST of the information on the internet is opinion and propaganda so one must be selective in their sources. Just type in B12 deficiency in a search engine and you would think every vegan has a problem, but in reality, there are VERY FEW actual studies of documented deficiencies along with symptoms in people who have adequate nutrition and are under 65.

So, the information complied here was from as unbiased sources (as much as possible with humans involved). Basically there are 3 camps:
1. We must get B12 from external sources.
2. We can make our own B12
3. Both, not sure, maybe, what it, it could be, unsure......

And whether you are Christian or an evolutionist there are some fundamental flaws in “you must use supplements if you are vegan”. For the Christian, it is a lack of faith that God made everything “good” in Eden. For evolutionist, how did herbivores survive? While it is true some animals eat contaminated plants, not all do. Tree dwellers, and so. So, philosophically I see a problem, on the other hand this world is waxing old, and it could be we have not been good stewards of the land, thus our food is lacking in nutrients. Many studies have found more nutrients in foods grown in rich soil. In fact, they have even found B12 in certain root crops, like beets, grown organically in rich soil.

Even in animal populations, there is cause for concern in lack of B12. That's right even animals are getting supplements. One study added cobalt supplements to the feed for cattle grazing on pasture low in cobalt and it improved their B12 levels. Interesting, they gave the cattle cobalt NOT B12 supplements. I have not been able to find anyone who has done a study on humans in this regard because cattle and sheep are rudiments and their digestion is different from humans, there is assumed to be no correlation to humans.

Without proper research it is wise to supplement until we know if it is poor soil, improper absorption, or direct lack of B12 that causes deficiency. I personally use fortified soy milk and eat some fortified soy meats a couple times a week. I was tested this month and my B12 levels are fine, (I've been vegan for over 10 years, but on rare occasions, have had dairy and egg products.)

God bless and trust Him!

For an info sheet on B12, Vitamin D and Trace Minerals click here

Learning to Cook Vegetarian

There are a lot of new vegetarians out there who simply don't know how to get started cooking healthy in their new vegetarian diet. Those becoming vegan have an even harder time with the diet change. And there are a lot of people in general who can't cook. I mean really cook. Start from scratch and make a meal. Many people even have trouble following a recipe. I have gotten many a phone call from those trying to do a recipe, only to repeat what the recipe says and have to explain it in detail.

Mothers just aren't teaching their children how to cook any more. Not enough time, you say? Well it is true making bread is slowing than buying it, but there are also ways to multitask so as to get a lot more done in the kitchen than you may think.

So, to address this problem I've decided to start an online cooking school. That's right a virtual school where you can learn to cook vegetarian/vegan and learn about vegan health and nutrition. So whether you are just getting started as a vegan or becoming vegan, or are an old pro, I think you will benefit from this new project.

We will be up and running by January 2009. If you would like more information please go to www.thevegetariancookingschool.com.

Blessings,
AP