Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin that is required for red blood cell formation as well as cell division. Much of the vitamin B12 that people receive is from meat. Because of this, many vegans and vegetarians who do not consume meat or dairy products have been diagnosed with vitamin B12 deficiency.Vitamin B12 is stored in the body for an extended period of time. The body is able to store approximately a year’s worth of vitamin B12 in the body, but if you do not eat meat and dairy, you are not necessarily getting the appropriate amount of vitamin B12 to maintain these stores. Vegans who have exhausted their store of vitamin B12 may begin to suffer from vitamin B12 deficiency.Plants and animals, including humans, cannot make their own vitamin B12. Plant foods do not contain vitamin B12 and vegans who only eat plants are not going to be receiving the proper amounts of vitamin B12. This means that these individuals need to look for foods that are fortified with B12 and also take a daily B12 supplement. It is especially important that vegan women ensure that they receive the appropriate amounts of B12 as well.There are several reliable sources for vitamin B12 in the vegan diet. Red Star T-6635+ yeast have been tested to ensure it contains active vitamin B12 and the brand also offers a vegetarian support formula. This is a reliable source of B12 for vegans. This is not the same as brewer’s yeast.Another source of vitamin B12 for the vegan is via fortified cereals. A half cup of fortified cereal will provide you with the recommended 2.4 micrograms of vitamin B12. It is important to check labels on your favorite cereals because many manufacturers have been known to stop fortifying with vitamin B12.Other sources of vitamin B12 include fortified soymilk and fortified meat analogues. However, these foods will not supply you with the appropriate amounts of B12, so you should also take a B12 supplement daily. In addition, miso, tempeh and sea vegetables have also been known to contain B12, but they are also not reliable sources.The best way to ensure that you are receiving your daily-recommended amount of B12 is to take a supplement on a daily basis.
