If you are a vegetarian by birth or adopted it later in life because of animal welfare or environmental sustainability, you must have heard that B12 deficiency is common in vegetarians. Vitamin B12 or cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin required for RBC production and healthy nerve function. Human body does not produce it on its own. It is produced by bacteria present in the digestive tract of animals, which then accumulates in their organs, muscles, milk and eggs. It is not produced in plants; therefore, plant-based foods do not contain B12 unless fortified.
Due to this, strict vegetarians and vegans are at a higher risk of B12 deficiency than non-vegetarians and lacto-ovo vegetarians(people who consume milk and eggs). However, this can be easily managed by getting your blood test done and taking supplements produced in the laboratory through bacterial fermentation- the same process by which B12 is produced in nature. The supplements are available as tablets and intramuscular injections.
Are you a vegetarian/vegan and take supplements ? How often do you take blood tests in general to check for deficiencies ?
MBH/PS