Some time ago, I came across a website (I’ll post it later) which examined the widely held belief (among those who pay some attention to these things) that the vegan diet is prone to deficiencies in B12. The author claimed the vitamin was critically lacking in most foods found in the American food chain, including sources which were traditionally associated with high concentrations of the substance–i.e., meat, eggs, and dairy. The author speculated on contributing factors, including a global shortage of cobalt–the mineral found in the center of the cyanocobalamin molecule (B12) and the acidification of the environment, leading to a situation hostile to the microorganisms which produce B12.
B12 is of particular interest to me insofar as it is directly involved in the production of dimethyltryptamine (DMT) in the brain. DMT, a neurotransmitter/neurohormone produced by the pineal gland from melatonin, was once dubbed “the spirit molecule” by Dr. Richard Strassman. It is associated with visionary experiences and is thought to perhaps be active in producing the dream state. So here we have a fluxuation in the material composition of our environment (in this case brought about by environmental devastation) leading directly to a change in in the qualia of consciousness.
This page, however, claims that reported B12 deficiencies are a result of poor B12 assimilation, not for a lack of available B12. In fact, the author claims, in a healthy subject, there is no natural pathway for the elimination of B12, so only very low doses of B12 are needed on a daily basis. The high amounts available in meats and supplements are actually needed only in the case of unhealthy digestive systems which assimilate B12 poorly. Large doses are necessary to compensate for poor assimilation.
B12 is produced by certain kinds of cyanobacteria, which are abundant in nature and can be found living wherever plants live. He further claims that enough B12 can be consumed from organic greens on a daily basis to satisfy the healthy need for B12.
