Asked by: Sibel Quinchon
Asked in category: food and drink, vegetarian diets, food and drink, vegetarian diets
Last Updated: 6th May 2024

Do vegetarians have vitamin b12 deficiency?

Suboptimal vitamin B12 (B12), intake can put vegetarians at risk. Vegans had higher rates of vitamin B12 (B12) deficiency than vegetarians, and vegans had higher rates than those who had been vegetarian since birth.



Consequently, is vegetarianism possible?

Most vegans consume enough B12 for clinical deficiency. Two subgroups of vegans are most at risk for B12 deficiency. These include long-term vegans who avoid common fortified food (such as raw foods vegans or macrobiotic vegans) as well as breastfed babies of vegan mothers whose B12 intake is low.

What can vegetarians eat to combat vitamin b12 deficiency in their diet? Top Vitamin B-12 foods for vegetarians

  • Dairy products. Dairy products are a great way to get enough vitamin B-12 if you're a vegetarian.
  • Eggs. Eggs are another source of B-12 that vegetarians can access.
  • Fortified cereals.
  • Nutritional yeast
  • Nori.
  • Shitake mushroom.

How can vegetarians get vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 is mainly derived from animal products, such as eggs and dairy products. For people not eating any animal products, yeast extract and other fortified/supplemented foods such as breakfast cereals, soya milks, soya/veggie burgers, and vegetable margarines are all good sources.

How much b12 do vegetarians need?

Vegans should consume 250 mg of a B12 supplement per day. Lacto-ovo vegetarians should take 250 mcg daily of a supplement to B12 once a week.