Hi, below are a few quotes re vitamin B(12) and coffee. In my long term process of trying to find out what these maybe 20% of vegans that do not take supplements and do not develop B12 deficiency have in common, I've seen many references to coffee as a B12 reducing element. My hypotheses is that there is enough active B12 in water and food, but due to a lot of lifestyle and environmental factors, many vegans (and non-vegans alike) develop B12 deficiency.
Vegans are more exposed to B12 deficiency than meat eaters, because we don't eat someone who already consumed B12 (or drink their mother's milk).
B12 is to be found in water, grass, trees, soil. We need close to no B12 in order not to develop deficiency. Still, sugar, vaccines, alcohol, tea/coffee, chemicals, chlorinated water, fluor, amalgam etc. might all reduce our B12 levels.
Later this year, we will start a detailed Vegan/B12 survey including questions about pretty much everything that could affect your B12 levels. (The survey will not be inside this message board, and will be announced 'everywhere').
Meanwhile, here is a little coffee survey... (this is a non public poll; nobody can see which of the 5 options you voted for).
The quotes:
From http://www.thevitaminlady.com/VLvitaminind.htm :
B12 / Negative Interactions : alcohol, coffee, tobacco, calcium deficiency.
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From http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/focus/nut...ls/vitamin.htm :
"To improve your diet's content of B vitamins follow these practical tips:
Try not to drink large quantities of tea, coffee or cola-based drinks as caffeine inhibits the absorption and increases the excretion of vitamins.
Alcohol is toxic towards these vitamins so moderate or remove alcohol from your diet.
Vitamins are affected by cooking so it's best to steam or poach your food to reduce the loss of nutrients.
Try to ensure that food is fresh and consumed as soon as possible."
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