From: Michelle (cx837265-c.fed1.sdca.home.com)
Subject: Re: article: Vegans advised to take vitamin supplements
Date: March 23, 2000 at 11:05 pm PST

In Reply to: article: Vegans advised to take vitamin supplements posted by Tony on March 23, 2000 at 12:48 am:

The RDI (Recommended Dietary Intake) for vitamin B12 is very low - about 2.4 mcg per day which also includes a safety factor. A little less than a tablespoon of nutritional yeast exceeds the RDI, as well as most fortified and supplemented foodstuffs. Even though this is a minute amount, serious deficiencies leading to hyperpernicious anemia and irreversable nerve damage. B12 is also important for cell formation. It is especially important for pregnant and lactating women, infants, and children to have reliable sources of vitamin B12 in their diets.

Vitamin B12 deficiency is quite rare, even amongst vegans. B12 is reabsorbed through the intestine - in very small amounts - and with the new B12 fortified plant-based foods on the market (e.g. soy beverages), chances that vegans who observe a well-balanced diet to have a deficiency will become even more rare.

Also, those who observed a carnivorous diet before becoming vegan may have B12 stores for 10, 20, or 30 years or more.

For more info on this - check out the VRG link written by Dr. Reed Mangels, RD.

Michelle