You Ask, I Answer: Vitamin B12 Content of Berries and Herbs
Posted Nov 13 2009 10:00pm
I recently went vegan [and had a question for you].
[Can an individual get sufficient vitamin B12] from alfalfa, burdock root, hawthorn berries, cat nip, or dong quai?
It’s an ongoing debate [in the vegan community].
– @IraGM Via Twitter
A few of the herbs you ask about contain a certain amount of Vitamin B12, but it’s really a moot point.
First, the majority of the B12 in these herbs is not “human active,” meaning it does not have the same characteristics — or efficacy — of the B12 found in animal products.
Second, many of these herbs also contain B12 analogues, which can often result in reduced absorption of human-active B12.
You should not rely on these herbs for adequate B12 intake. As a vegan, you are better off with nutritional yeast, fortified foods (mainly cereal and non-dairy milks) or a supplement in pill form.
From my viewpoint, there isn’t much room for debate on this issue.
[Can an individual get sufficient vitamin B12] from alfalfa, burdock root, hawthorn berries, cat nip, or dong quai?
It’s an ongoing debate [in the vegan community].
– @IraGM
Via Twitter
A few of the herbs you ask about contain a certain amount of Vitamin B12, but it’s really a moot point.
First, the majority of the B12 in these herbs is not “human active,” meaning it does not have the same characteristics — or efficacy — of the B12 found in animal products.
Second, many of these herbs also contain B12 analogues, which can often result in reduced absorption of human-active B12.
You should not rely on these herbs for adequate B12 intake. As a vegan, you are better off with nutritional yeast, fortified foods (mainly cereal and non-dairy milks) or a supplement in pill form.
From my viewpoint, there isn’t much room for debate on this issue.
3 CommentsVitamin B12, You Ask/I Answer, analogue B12, herbs, vegan