How should I supplement my diet with vitamin b12?

Question

I am a partial vegetarian. I only eat seafood, no red meat or poultry. I do eat dairy products as well. After watching a show dealing with b12 deficiencies, I think I may have that problem. Before going to the doctor which I cannot afford I would like to try to supplement my diet with b12 to see if that helps. I do not want to overdose on b12 so how should I do this? Should I do vitamin pills or adition to my diet?

Answer 1

Ah, so you're Pescetarian? That's cool....as a vegetarian, I simply get enough b12 from eating plenty of Dark Green Veggies such as; Broccoli and Spinach. Check out my link below and scroll down on that page, it talks more about getting enough vitamins and minerals and what-not.

Answer 2

Most people already have enough B12 made by bacteria in their intestines. You should be getting B12 from the seafood anyway.

Go ahead and get vitamin pills if you want to, but it's probably not necessary.

Very few people have B12 deficiencies unless they have a metabolic disorder called Pernicious Anemia, they live in third world countries and don't get enough food, or they are alcoholics who drink instead of eating. B12 deficiencies do seem to get a lot of hype for some reason. I have worked in health care for 20 years and I have never heard of a single patient with a B12 deficiency through anyplace I ever worked.

Agreed with Jessica; you aren't a vegetarian by any means, but thanks for using the word "partial."

Answer 3

Well it soundsl like you are a flexitarian vegetarian and with that you eat you shouldn't need any B12. Seafood is an excellent source of B12. That's the nice thing about flexitarian vegetarians and flexititarian vegan you get all the nutrients and you can enjoy life without worrying about food.

LOL.... Kinda takes real airheads to make a statements like these "You are not ANY KIND of vegetarian" or " you aren't a vegetarian by any means" Just here a short time, but you got some real goofy people on here . . . they are crazy funny in a pathological sorta way though ...LOL

Answer 4

Contrary to what so many people say there are vegetarian sources of B12. B12 is derived from a microbe found in foods such as miso, soy, seaweed, and some root veggies. Your body only needs a small amount so getting adequate B12 is not difficult. I don't like the idea of using supplements so I make sure to incorporate a wide variety of foods in my diet.

Answer 5

If you eat seafood and dairy you should not have B12 deficiency, unless you are suffering from pernicious anemia, which can't be treated with diet. If you truly feel this is the problem, a doctor visit is the only alternative.

Answer 6

If you're eating animal products, it's highly unlikely you're deficient in b12 unless you have issues with absorption. Also a deficiency in b12 takes years to show up, since the body stores it.

p.s. You are not ANY KIND of vegetarian. You are an omnivore. Christ, what's up with people wanting labels that they don't fit?

Answer 7

You are probably ok as dairy and seafood have B12, at least I think I remember that. But here are a couple links that might give you some ideas.

http://www.yourhealthbase.com/vitamin_B12.html

http://www.b12patch.com/?gclid=CM-QuIfu-Y8CFRpdagodHlgDNA

You are smart to think about the B12 angle.

Answer 8

Seafood contains B12 - but its in every standard multivitamin.

Answer 9

Carlson Laboratories B-12 tablet.

Answer 10

I am vegetarian.. and I everyday eat oatmeal cereal or try any cereal with 100% B12 and also take one supplement of multivitamin everyday...
I think that helps me..