Vitamin B12, a nutrient crucial for red blood cell formation and nerve health, is often misunderstood as a “non-vegetarian vitamin.” Dr. Anshuman Kaushal, a surgeon at Apollo Hospitals and social media personality known as “The Angry Doc,” clarified in a recent Instagram video that this belief is incorrect. According to him, B12 is not produced by animals or plants—it is synthesized by bacteria. Animals such as cows, goats, and sheep simply store the vitamin produced by bacteria in their digestive systems. Plants, on the other hand, lack the enzyme system needed to make B12, which explains why leafy greens like spinach do not naturally contain it.
Historically, humans could obtain B12 from soil, unprocessed water, or organic contamination, but modern hygienic practices have significantly reduced these natural sources. For vegans today, the only reliable sources are supplements or fortified foods, which themselves contain lab-fermented B12 derived from bacteria, without involving any animal sacrifice.
Cleveland Clinic notes that B12 deficiency occurs when the body does not get enough of the vitamin from food or cannot absorb it properly. This deficiency can lead to anemia and neurological or psychological issues if left untreated, emphasizing the need for proactive management.
Adults typically need around 2.4 micrograms of B12 daily, while pregnant or breastfeeding women require slightly more. Children’s requirements vary by age. Proper absorption also depends on stomach acid and intrinsic factor, a protein essential for B12 uptake.
By understanding the bacterial origins of B12 and adopting supplementation or fortified foods where necessary, individuals can prevent deficiency while maintaining a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. As Dr. Kaushal emphasizes, B12 is not “non-veg”—it is a logical, science-backed nutrient accessible to everyone.
Historically, humans could obtain B12 from soil, unprocessed water, or organic contamination, but modern hygienic practices have significantly reduced these natural sources. For vegans today, the only reliable sources are supplements or fortified foods, which themselves contain lab-fermented B12 derived from bacteria, without involving any animal sacrifice.
Why India Has a High Deficiency Rate
According to Dr. Kaushal, B12 deficiency is widespread in India due to dietary habits and lifestyle changes. Scientific data indicate that around 60–80% of vegans, 40–50% of vegetarians, and less than 5% of non-vegetarians show signs of B12 deficiency. The limited consumption of animal products among large sections of the population, coupled with reduced exposure to natural bacterial sources, contributes to India topping the global deficiency charts.Cleveland Clinic notes that B12 deficiency occurs when the body does not get enough of the vitamin from food or cannot absorb it properly. This deficiency can lead to anemia and neurological or psychological issues if left untreated, emphasizing the need for proactive management.
Three Ways to Address B12 Deficiency
- Fortified Foods: Incorporating cereals, breads, plant-based milks, and nutritional yeast enriched with B12 can help meet daily requirements.
- Supplements: Oral B12 tablets or sublingual forms provide a reliable source for vegans or those with dietary restrictions.
- Balanced Non-Vegetarian Intake: For omnivores, including moderate amounts of meat, fish, eggs, and dairy can help maintain adequate B12 levels.
Adults typically need around 2.4 micrograms of B12 daily, while pregnant or breastfeeding women require slightly more. Children’s requirements vary by age. Proper absorption also depends on stomach acid and intrinsic factor, a protein essential for B12 uptake.
By understanding the bacterial origins of B12 and adopting supplementation or fortified foods where necessary, individuals can prevent deficiency while maintaining a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle. As Dr. Kaushal emphasizes, B12 is not “non-veg”—it is a logical, science-backed nutrient accessible to everyone.