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Vegan Paralysis

Those eating plant-based diets must ensure a reliable source of vitamin B12 via supplements or fortified foods.

September 13, 2010 |
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Supplementary Info

Vegan Paralysis, 5.0 out of 5 based on 5 ratings

Sources Cited

F. Brocadello, G. Levedianos, F. Piccione, R. Manara, and F. F. Pesenti. Irreversible subacute sclerotic combined degeneration of the spinal cord in a vegan subject. Nutrition, 23(7-8):622-624, 2007.

Acknowledgements

Transcript

So that's calcium and iodine but I've saved the most important for last. Studies continue to show that those eating plant based diets tend not get enough vitamin B12. But really, what's the worst that can happen if we don't get enough B12? Well, if you happen to flip open an issue of the Medical Journal of Nutrition this summer you'd see titles like this, "Irreversible subacute sclerotic combined degeneration of the spinal cord in a vegan subject" and yes, it really is as bad as it sounds. If you look here closely, a 57 year old man, member of a "vegan cult", can you blame the doctor though? Look at what non-B12-supplemented veganism did to this guy, rotted his spinal cord from the inside out. They immediately started B12 injections and he got better. He's still paralyzed and may never walk again but at least he's alive. We wonder why nutritionists and doctors may be skeptical about plant based diets after reading case reports like this? And it's so easy to get our B12. B12 fortified foods like fortified breakfast cereals, fortified soy milk, fortified nutritional yeast or little supplements. Sublingual B12 tablets once a week, it's all in the handout that should have come with the DVD and you know we'll never hear of anything like this ever again.

To see any graphs, charts, graphics, images, and quotes to which Dr. Greger may be referring watch the above video. This is just an approximation of the audio contributed by veganmontreal.

To help out on the site please email volunteer@nutritionfacts.org

Dr. Michael Greger

Doctor's Note

Please feel free to post any ask-the-doctor type questions here in the comments section and I’d be happy to try to answer them. And check out theother videos on vitamin B12. Also, there are 1,449 other subjects covered in the rest of my videos--please feel free to explore them as well!

For some context, please check out my associated blog post: Vegan B12 deficiency: putting it into perspective.

  • http://nutritionfacts.org/members/mgreger/ Michael Greger M.D.

    Please feel free to post any ask-the-doctor type questions here in the comments section and I’d be happy to try to answer them. And check out the other videos on vitamin B12. Also, there are 1,449 other subjects covered in the rest of my videos–please feel free to explore them as well!

    • http://nutritionfacts.org/members/bill/ Bill

      Can you advise of any natural fruit and vegetables with B12 content?

      • http://nutritionfacts.org/members/toxins/ Toxins

        Hello Bill

        Sadly, since b12 is a product of bacteria, b12 is not found in plant sources. The only healthy and safe way to get adequate b12 is through supplementation, and I say “healthy and safe” to mean that animal sources contain b12, but the health detriments of consuming these products far outweigh the benefits. View this video on b12 and another necessary supplement! http://nutritionfacts.org/videos/vitamin-supplements-worth-taking/

  • http://nutritionfacts.org/members/BeaElliott/ Bea Elliott

    Hi Dr. Greger! I first wanted to thank you for this very informative site. I intend to discover much more useful information as time goes on…

    But for the moment I am curious – Of course I don’t intend to stop taking B12… But your video mentioned well water carrying B12, and I’m on well water – Wondering if I did drink several glasses of water per day – Would that be enough to supplement if I wanted to…

    And another question on this line – Is B12 in well water destroyed by boiling or freezing?

    Thank you so much for answering these questions as you find the time to do so.

  • http://nutritionfacts.org/members/drdons/ DrDons

    Hi Bea, Since B12 is made by bacteria it can be found in well water. Vitamin B12 is adversely affected by factors such as acidity, heat, as well as certain minerals such as iron and copper. Freezing shouldn’t be a problem. Since it doesn’t appear that we can overdose on B12 I would continue taking your supplemental B12 as the problems with deficiency can be severe and irreversible. I would follow Dr. Greger’s recommendations for insuring adequate B12 intake either by taking 2000 mcg once a week, 100 mcg daily, or at least 2 servings daily(at least 6 hours apart) of B12 fortified foods each containing at least 20% “Daily Value” on label. It is also advisable to periodically check the safety of well water (the EPA recommends annual checks).

  • http://nutritionfacts.org/members/BeaElliott/ Bea Elliott

    Thanks for the reply – Yes, I’ll continue on just as before under Dr. Greger’s advice. Feel great so far – It must be working. ;)

  • Michael Greger M.D.

    Also be sure to check out my associated blog post Vegan B12 deficiency: putting it into perspective!

  • Phil

    First off, great and informative site. I did enjoy your “Maximum Nutrition”!
    I read alot about the B12-Issue. Since I went vegan about 4 weeks ago; how pressing is this matter? When does B12-insufficiency start to show up? Should I already be worried? Doesn’t my Marmite (UK)/Vegemite (AUS) cover my B12 needs?

    Or, blatantly, if B12 is a bacterial vitamin coming from the soil, why bother wash organic, homegrown vegetables?

    Cheers!

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