Do strict vegetarians need vitamin B-12 shots?
Vitamin B-12 helps maintain healthy blood and nerve cells, and is also used to make DNA. It is primarily found in meat, dairy products and eggs. Vegetarians who consume eggs or dairy products on a daily basis generally get all the vitamin B-12 they need. On the other hand, vegans, who consume no animal products are at risk for B-12 deficiency, depending on their food choices. However, vegans can easily meet their needs with B-12-fortified soymilk, cereal, meat substitutes, or nutritional yeast. If none of these products are used daily, a basic multi-vitamin supplement will cover needs. Contrary to older, outdated information, sea vegetables, tempeh—a food made from whole soybeans—and algae are not reliable sources of the active vitamin. Vitamin B-12 injections are meant for people who have limited ability to absorb any form of B-12 due to inflammatory digestive tract diseases (such as Crohn’s), or gastric bypass and other types of stomach or upper intestinal surgery. Q: Do CLA suppleme
