Vitamin B12 and the Homocystine Connection
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Unnecessarily sensational and alarmist statements have been made on Vegan websites and in print about the "homocystine Connection" between vitamin B12 deficiency and heart and circulatory disease and pregnancy complications.
The reduction of Vitamin B12 in the blood is thought to be responsible for the elevation of the hormone, homocystine, which can lead to a greater risk of heart disease and stroke, and difficulties in pregnancy.
However, it is a well-known fact that, when vitamin B12 is at a low level in the blood, Folate and Folic Acid take over some of the "anti-anaemia" functions, and other vitamin B12 functions.
It is known that folic acid reduces, or controls, the level of homocystine in the blood, reducing these risks.
The good news is that folic acid is found in adequate to high levels in a well-balanced Vegan diet. Folic Acid is a water-soluble vitamin, a member of the vitamin B Complex group.
So the "homocystine factor" does not need to be a concern for Vegans, providing one has a well-balanced diet of fruits, nuts, wholegrains and green salads.
There is the view, by opponents of the Vegan philosophy, that the Vegan diet can not be the correct diet for humans, as vitamin supplements are needed to supplement "an inadequate diet".
If all Vegans take supplements of vitamin B12 and Folate, how will we ever know if the Vegan diet is adequate for a normal healthy human?
The ideal situation for the Vegan movement would be if we were able to say that, say, 50 percent plus Vegans were able to produce and absorb B12 in the digestive tract. It could well be the case.
It is known that the body stores an average of five years' supply of vitamin B12. So, for some, there will be no need to take supplements for this time. During this time, it is recommended that Vegans have regular blood checks, say once a year, for levels of vitamin B12, folic acid and homocystine.
Should any of the early deficiency symptoms of B12 or Folic Acid occur, it is recommended that a Vegan consults an (understanding and sympathetic) practitioner, qualified and trained in nutrition and diet. It is inappropriate and dangerous for unqualified writers to give advice on nutritional needs. Only through a face-to-face consultation and appropriate diagnosis, can an accurate assessment of one's state of health be made.
Almost every Vegan website has an article on Vitamin B12. Some of the information is conflicting or just plain wrong. How do you know which information to believe?
PCRM (Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine) is currently promoting Clinical Research into the physiological needs of Vegans, specifically vitamin B12. For reliable information on vitamin B12 and the latest research findings, please visit the PCRM website.
(2005).
Reference: "Thorsons Complete Guide To Vitamins & Minerals"
