| As was discussed in Part 1 the first step in | | | | a purely vegetarian lifestyle has been shown to |
| becoming a vegetarian is to compile all the data | | | | be lacking true evidence, this last attack will surely |
| available on the advantages and disadvantages of | | | | be blown way out of proportion. |
| the subject and then make a decision based on | | | | The truth is that Vitamin B12 is essential for the |
| your findings. Remember also to consider the | | | | process of cell division and the formation of blood. |
| source of the information as that plays an | | | | Although Vitamin B12 is found in animal food |
| important role in determining what part of the | | | | products it is not actually synthesized by plants or |
| information is useful and what part is not. Of | | | | animals. Bacteria is the agent necessary to make |
| course the completion of Step 1 is to actually act | | | | this vitamin. It is true that a strict plant-based diet |
| on your decision whether positively or negatively. | | | | might fail to provide adequate amounts of Vitamin |
| In regards to the decision to become a vegetarian | | | | B12 but it is also true that this deficiency is very, |
| this writer believes that if all of the evidence is | | | | very rare. In his excellent report (McDougall |
| weighed in the balances the only reasonable choice | | | | Report, Vol.6, No.11) Dr. McDougall says that the |
| remaining would be to adopt a vegetarian lifestyle. | | | | chances are about 1 in a million. You should really |
| As I have written in previous articles, and as | | | | read the entirety of this report. You can go to |
| many before me have shown far more ably than | | | | the McDougall Newsletter Archives and click on |
| I ever could, your choice for vegetarianism is a | | | | the Nov. 2007 issue to read this wonderfully |
| choice for better physical health, and also will | | | | informative letter. |
| greatly benefit our environment, as well as the | | | | All the pulpit pounding surrounding this deficiency |
| animals that share our planet. | | | | notwithstanding, it really becomes a non issue |
| Be Wary of Myths | | | | when you take a supplement that supplies about |
| When you have decided to make a healthy | | | | 5 micrograms of Vitamin B12 daily. This is more |
| change in your life however, there is a danger | | | | than an adequate amount according to Dr. |
| that you might be inclined to embrace any | | | | McDougall. Personally I am a vitamin freak and |
| perceived good news concerning your former bad | | | | have had a long affair with the Multi Vitamin, |
| habits. If you have done any research at all | | | | "Centrum". This multi-mineral supplement has been |
| (unless your data comes exclusively from the | | | | providing me with the recommended 5 |
| meat and dairy industry) you know that the old | | | | micrograms of Vitamin B12 long before I knew it |
| tired myth that vegetarians do not get adequate | | | | was necessary. So I have actually never had a |
| protein has been shown to be fallacious. The | | | | B12 issue and never will. As a matter of fact |
| same is true for the myth about cows milk being | | | | even if you have been a vegetarian for a long |
| the best source for calcium. This is just not so | | | | time and have never taken a B12 supplement you |
| and the evidence is clear. Again it won't be as | | | | are really very likely not at any huge risk. But |
| clear if you use sources connected with the meat | | | | why not supplement this possible deficiency |
| and dairy industry as your guide, but then they no | | | | anyway? It is as simple as taking a good multi |
| doubt have some ulterior motives for their | | | | vitamin. |
| madness. | | | | Become Informed |
| Vitamin B12 Deficiency | | | | In conclusion I hope you will really consider the |
| There is a concern however that you should be | | | | benefits of a strictly vegetarian lifestyle and sift |
| aware of when changing your diet and adopting a | | | | through all the evidence. I think when you are |
| vegetarian lifestyle. This is the issue of Vitamin | | | | really informed, the choice will be clear. The only |
| B12 deficiency. Although this deficiency is | | | | actual reason to continue eating meat after you |
| extremely rare it nevertheless has been over | | | | have done your research is because it tastes |
| exaggerated whenever the case for a strict | | | | good. If in your estimation "tasting good" is a |
| vegetarian diet is discussed. It is actually the last | | | | good reason to continue eating meat in spite of |
| attack that could possibly be waged against a | | | | the evidence, then there is not much anyone |
| meatless diet and although it is not nearly as | | | | could say. If that is your choice than you will |
| serious a concern as those who champion an | | | | certainly have to live with your decision and very |
| animal-based diet would have you believe, it still | | | | likely die with it. |
| merits consideration. Since every other attack on | | | | |