Yes, you need B12 supplements on a vegan diet.
Everyone over the age of 50 is recommended to take a B12 supplement regardless of their diet. 40% of the population in general takes a supplement anyway.
Only bacteria creates Vitamin B12. Animals do not. People eat animals and consume it indirectly, and even then you are most likely eating a supplement because 90% of the world’s B12 supplements are given to animals. Getting B12 indirectly also means that someone who takes a B12 supplement directly is more likely to have higher levels in body than a meat eater. [Baltimore Post Examiner]
2-4% of Americans are deficient on B12 anyway. [American Journal of Clinical Nutrition]
Untreated water (from ponds, river,) and soil have enough B12, which explains why early humans were not B12 deficient even if they did not eat animals. [Bulleting of the Torrey Botanical Club] New research finds that there are some plants, like duckweed, that contain B12 as well and could be a clue to our evolution; see video for more.
A truly healthy gut can prepare its own B12 from the bacteria it produces. Two strains of bacteria in the small intestines can be created and absorbed, but it is not worth the risk vs the safety to supplement. [Nature]
Topic: FAQ – Health
