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Evidence shows that vegans who are not taking vitamin B 12 supplements do not consume sufficient B 12 and often have abnormally low blood concentrations of vitamin B 12. [75] This is because, unless fortified, plant foods do not contain reliable amounts of active vitamin B 12. Vegans are advised to adopt one of the following dietary options: [76]
Pregnant and lactating vegetarian mothers—and breastfed infants if the vegetarian mother's diet is not supplemented—should also use supplements, whether B 12-pills, B 12-injections, or B 12-fortified foods, if they don't get adequate vitamin B 12 from animal products like eggs or dairy. Eggs are a source of vitamin B 12 for vegetarians.
Vitamin B 12 supplements are available as single or multivitamin tablets. Pharmaceutical preparations of vitamin B 12 may be given by intramuscular injection. [6] [62] Since there are few non-animal sources of the vitamin, vegans are advised to consume a dietary supplement or fortified foods for B 12 intake, or risk serious health consequences. [6]
B-vitamins are primarily found in animal-based foods, making deficiencies more common among those with limited animal food intake due to cultural, religious, or economic reasons. For vegetarians, fortified foods can be a viable alternative to ensure adequate vitamin B12 levels, especially when reducing laxative use to improve absorption.
These nutrients are available in plant foods, with the exception of vitamin B 12, which can be obtained only from B 12-fortified vegan foods or supplements. Vitamin B 12 deficiency occurs in up to 80% of all vegans in some Asian countries. [272] Iodine may also require supplementation, such as using iodized salt. [271] [273]
Animal-source foods are a diverse group of foods that are rich in bioavailable nutrients including calcium, iron, zinc, vitamins B12, vitamin D, choline, DHA, and EPA. [11] Animal-source and plant-based foods have complimentary nutrient profiles and balanced diets containing both reduce the risk of nutritional deficiencies. [ 11 ]