In what foods is vitamin B12 in?

Question

In what foods is vitamin B12 in?

Answer 1

Vitamin B-12 is naturally found in meat (especially liver and shellfish), milk and eggs. Animals, in turn, must obtain it directly or indirectly from bacteria, and these bacteria may inhabit a section of the gut which is posterior to the section where B-12 is absorbed. Thus, herbivorous animals must either obtain B-12 from bacteria in their rumens, or (if fermenting plant material in the hindgut) by reingestion of cecotrope fæces. Eggs are often mentioned as a good B-12 source, but they also contain a factor that blocks absorption.[23] Certain insects such as termites contain B-12 produced by their gut bacteria, in a manner analogous to ruminant animals.[24] An NIH Fact Sheet lists a variety of food sources of vitamin B-12.

Plants only supply B-12 to humans when the soil containing B-12-producing microorganisms has not been washed from them. For example, mushrooms are typically high in B-12 [25], but they are often grown in soil containing high amounts of manure and bacteria, and there is a serious question as to whether B-12 may be made by mushrooms themselves [26], and how much of it would be present after careful washing [27]. Vegan humans who eat only carefully washed vegetables must ordinarily take special care to supplement their diets accordingly. According to the U.K. Vegan Society, the only reliable vegan sources of B-12 are foods fortified with B-12 (including some plant milks, some soy products and some breakfast cereals), and B-12 supplements.[28]

While lacto-ovo vegetarians usually get enough B-12 through consuming dairy products, vitamin B-12 may be found to be lacking in those practicing vegan diets who do not use multivitamin supplements or eat B-12 fortified foods. Examples of fortified foods often consumed include fortified breakfast cereals, fortified soy-based products, and fortified energy bars. Claimed sources of B-12 that have been shown through direct studies[29] of vegans to be inadequate or unreliable include, laver (a seaweed), barley grass, and human gut bacteria. People on a vegan raw food diet are also susceptible to B-12 deficiency if no supplementation is used

Answer 2

Mostly animal products thats why vegeterians need to take vitamins and junk. But it is also in fortified cerials, such as, lucky charms.

Answer 3

Milk

    Pork

    Kidney

    Liver

    Shellfish

    Sardines

    Salmon

    Herring

    Cheese

    Egg yolk

Answer 4

B12 is actually made by soil bacteria.  The reason you see it in animal flesh and animal products is cause the animals have eaten plant foods "contaminated" with it.  That's why gorillas can be vegetarians and not become B12 deficient - they just grab plants and chow down, with a little soil clinging to their food.  If a human (at least a clean one, ha-ha) wants to be a vegetarian they should be sure to consume B12 fortified foods, such a soy milk (there are lots of things, just check the labels) or to take a B12 supplement.

Answer 5

The only reliable unfortified sources of vitamin B12 are meat, dairy products and eggs.