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“The need for B12 proves a vegan diet is not natural.”

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The notes on this page show that any inference about the naturalness of a vegan diet based on the need for B12 supplementation is both irrelevant and fallacious.

This topic is not directly related to animal rights, but it is related to a vegan diet. It could be a consideration for someone deciding on whether or not to eat animals and animal products.

Closely related: Important Vitamin B12 Information for Vegans.

Points to Consider

The idea of a natural diet (B12-related and otherwise) is fallacious.

  • The claim that a vegan diet is not natural is an example of the naturalistic fallacy.[1]“Naturalistic Fallacy, Psychology Wiki That is to say, being natural doesn’t make something ethically or nutritionally sound. Hemlock is natural but not recommended for consumption.
  • If a vegan diet is unnatural because of a need for B12 supplementation, then perhaps being over fifty years old is unnatural, because those over fifty are commonly deficient in B12, and supplementation is recommended for anyone over fifty. (National Academy of Medicine) [2]National Academy of Medicine (formerly the Institute of Medicine), and Food and Nutrition Board. “Dietary Reference Intakes for Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, … Continue reading

The need for B12 supplements may be an artifact of modern living.

Note: The following 2 points are speculative, and may be impossible to validate through research.

  • Several health practitioners have speculated that before our modern way of life, we would have gotten adequate B12 from soil microbes and drinking water from streams.[3]Klaper, Dr. Michael. “Vitamin B12 Basics.” Michael Klaper, M.D., Nutrition-Based Medicine, January 27, 2017. [4]Campbell, T. Colin, and Thomas M Campbell. The China Study: The Most Comprehensive Study of Nutrition Ever Conducted and the Startling Implications for Diet, Weight Loss and Long-Term Health. 1 … Continue reading [5]Goldhamer, Alan, and Doug Lisle. “Vitamin B12 Recommendations for Vegans | TrueNorth Health.” True North Health Center, May 26, 2010.
  • Unlike in previous times, our fruits, vegetables, and root crops are likely now grown in more sterile soil and more thoroughly washed, eliminating the B12 that might otherwise be present with the food.[6]Klaper, Dr. Michael. “Vitamin B12 Basics.” Michael Klaper, M.D., Nutrition-Based Medicine, January 27, 2017. [7]Campbell, T. Colin, and Thomas M Campbell. The China Study: The Most Comprehensive Study of Nutrition Ever Conducted and the Startling Implications for Diet, Weight Loss and Long-Term Health. 1 … Continue reading [8]Goldhamer, Alan, and Doug Lisle. “Vitamin B12 Recommendations for Vegans | TrueNorth Health.” True North Health Center, May 26, 2010.

B12 supplementation is inexpensive.

  • It costs under 25 cents a week to buy B12 supplements— a small price to pay to avoid harming animals—and to reap the health benefits and other positive consequences of veganism.[9]The “25 cents a week” figure for B12 supplementation is based on “Nature Made Vitamin B-12 Dietary Supplement Timed Release Tablets, 1000mcg, 190 Count.” Walmart.com. Accessed January … Continue reading
    • The “25 cents a week” figure for B12 supplementation is based on Nature Made brand B12[10]“Nature Made Vitamin B-12 Dietary Supplement Timed Release Tablets, 1000mcg, 190 Count.” Walmart.com. Accessed January 30, 2018., sold at Walmart and other stores, in the biweekly dosage recommendation by Dietitian Jack Norris.[11]Norris, Jack. “Daily Needs.” Vegan Health.

Suggestions for Advocacy

  • Recommendation: Do not argue that B12 is not produced by animals, but by bacteria.
    • One could argue that because B12 is synthesized in the intestines of animals it is produced by animals. (B12 is also produced in the soil.)
  • Recommendation: Do not argue that bovines are supplemented with B12, so that’s where omnivores get their B12.
    • It’s true that some bovines are supplemented with B12 in some circumstances, but the author cannot verify that it’s a common practice, and even if it is a common practice, that that’s where the B12 in bovine flesh originates. It’s complex.

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Footnotes

References

References
↑1 “Naturalistic Fallacy, Psychology Wiki
↑2 National Academy of Medicine (formerly the Institute of Medicine), and Food and Nutrition Board. “Dietary Reference Intakes for Thiamin, Riboflavin, Niacin, Vitamin B6, Folate, Vitamin B12, Pantothenic Acid, Biotin, and Choline” . Washington, D.C: National Academies Press, 2000. 306
↑3, ↑6 Klaper, Dr. Michael. “Vitamin B12 Basics.” Michael Klaper, M.D., Nutrition-Based Medicine, January 27, 2017.
↑4, ↑7 Campbell, T. Colin, and Thomas M Campbell. The China Study: The Most Comprehensive Study of Nutrition Ever Conducted and the Startling Implications for Diet, Weight Loss and Long-Term Health. 1 edition. Dallas, Tex: BenBella Books, 2004 232
↑5, ↑8 Goldhamer, Alan, and Doug Lisle. “Vitamin B12 Recommendations for Vegans | TrueNorth Health.” True North Health Center, May 26, 2010.
↑9 The “25 cents a week” figure for B12 supplementation is based on “Nature Made Vitamin B-12 Dietary Supplement Timed Release Tablets, 1000mcg, 190 Count.” Walmart.com. Accessed January 30, 2018.
↑10 “Nature Made Vitamin B-12 Dietary Supplement Timed Release Tablets, 1000mcg, 190 Count.” Walmart.com. Accessed January 30, 2018.
↑11 Norris, Jack. “Daily Needs.” Vegan Health.