Sage-Tips

Why is my B12 low even though I eat meat?

Supplementing with B12 is essential. However, many people, no matter their age or diet, have “unexplained low vitamin B12 levels,” which researchers attribute to “food cobalamin malabsorption,” meaning the B12 that’s naturally present in foods like meat is simply not absorbed.

Does B12 occur naturally in meat?

Sources of Vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 is naturally present in foods of animal origin, including fish, meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products [5]. In addition, fortified breakfast cereals and fortified nutritional yeasts are readily available sources of vitamin B12 that have high bioavailability [12,13].

Should meat eaters take B12?

A diet rich in plant-based foods and with fewer animal source foods confers both improved health and environmental benefits. Notably, the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency increases when consuming a diet low in animal products. Humans are dependent on animal foods such as dairy products, meat, fish and eggs.

How much B12 should a vegetarian take?

All vegans should take 250 mcg per day of a B12 supplement. All lacto-ovo vegetarians should consider taking 250 mcg per day of a B12 supplement a few times per week.

Are vegetarians and vegans at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency?

Strict vegetarians and vegans are at high risk for developing a B 12 deficiency if they don’t eat grains that have been fortified with the vitamin or take a vitamin supplement.

Is meat a source of vitamin B12?

Dr Jennifer Rooke MD: “ IN ORDER TO MAINTAIN MEAT (AS) A SOURCE OF B12 THE MEAT INDUSTRY NOW ADDS IT TO ANIMAL FEED, 90\% OF B12 SUPPLEMENTS PRODUCED IN THE WORLD ARE FED TO LIVESTOCK … cattle no longer feed on grass and chickens do not peck in the dirt on factory farms.

Who is most at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency?

Strict vegetarians and vegans are at high risk for developing a B 12 deficiency if they don’t eat grains that have been fortified with the vitamin or take a vitamin supplement. People who have weight-loss surgery are also more likely to be low in vitamin B 12 because the operation interferes with…

Could a vitamin B12 deficiency be causing your digestive problems?

This lack of curiosity may be problematic. Because vitamin B12 deficiency can often signal that something is amiss in your digestive tract, it’s prudent to investigate an unexpected deficiency – particularly to rule out these common causes: 1. Autoimmune Diseases