Omnivores often make the argument that because it appears we can't meet our B-12 needs from a vegan diet that Nature intended for us to consume meat, dairy, and eggs. But even the most ardent steak lovers would have to pause, if even for a moment, and ask themselves: Would Mother Nature have designed humans to get their B-12 micronutrients - one-fiftieth of an ounce for life - from half-ton cattle?
It may be true that plants don't produce the necessary levels of the vitamin, cobalamin (B-12) to satisfy human requirements. Then again, it is also true that animals don't produce B-12 either; they consume it from the same source we were most likely to consume it from-the environment. But instead we seem to be under the impression that we must consume the animal's B-12, which can only be accomplished by consuming the animal!
We will most likely conclude by the end of this report that we are a long way off from understanding the mechanism by which we are receiving and processing this important nutrient-and yes, it appears everyone including vegetarians and vegans are getting enough even without supplementation. But if it worries us and we are a vegan, or thinking of becoming one, swallow a supplement. Just make sure we don't swallow the omnivore argument.