How To Fight Against the Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Myth vs. Reality

The Rise of Vitamin B12 Supplements & Misconceptions

Almost 80% patient in OPD (in our Ayurveda hospital) comes with a report of Vit B12 and all of them are suffering with low levels of the Vit B12. Because my practice is localised in Northern Part of India and deal mostly with Neurological disorders– thus ratio is very much high for me. And every vegetarian patient keeps on asking me for a natural vegetarian or herbal resource of the Vitamin B12 and I always try to educate them. So decided to write this blog post for all of you for proper clarification on the Vitamin B12 and how can we manage this without turning to non-vegetarian food stuff.

When searched internet for global Vitamin supplement market- the growth is explosive. 47.9 Billion US$ and will touch 98.6 Billion by 2031. Imagine, Australia (a continent), with its 25 million sun-loving, beach-going citizens, spends $140.7 billion annually on healthcare. Sounds like a lot, right? Well, guess what? The vitamin supplement industry is sprinting toward that number like an overenthusiastic gym bro on pre-workout!

While awareness about B12 deficiency has increased, so has the blind consumption of supplements, often leading to hypervitaminosis (excess vitamin levels in the body). In 2021, over 50,000 cases of vitamin toxicity were reported to poison control centers in the U.S.

This article clears the confusion about herbal sources of B12, why plant-based B12 is unreliable, and how Ayurveda focuses on nutrient absorption rather than supplementation. Besides this article will focus on the root cause of the problem- why this scarcity is so prevalent- surely your doctor missed to share with you about the cause.

Why is Vitamin B12 Important?

Before being critical, lets be rational. We need to know – Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) is essential for:

• Brain health – It prevents memory loss and cognitive decline.
• Nerve function – Plays an important role in maintaining the myelin sheath- the cover on the nerves. Thus help in controlling neurodegenerative changes.
• Red blood cell production – Prevents anemia through helping the bone marrow.
• DNA synthesis & energy metabolism – On biomolecular levels it keeps body functions optimal.

Since B12 is not produced by plants or animals but by bacteria, its natural sources are animal-based foods (meat, dairy, eggs, and fish).

Why Are Vegetarians and Vegans at Risk of B12 Deficiency?

Northern part of India is mainly vegetarian but this belt never felt this kind of low levels of the Vitamin B12 earlier. But how all of a sudden this vitamin disappeared from the bodies and causing different problems. This deficiency can cause:

✅ Chronic fatigue & weakness
✅ Numbness & tingling in hands and feet
✅ Memory loss & cognitive issues
✅ Megaloblastic anemia

But why and how- we are so low in Vit B12. Don’t we need to look back at the root causes? Perhaps a revisit of the scientific literature can help us to find out the real reason behind this scarcity.

Reasons, why the whole population is suffering with B12 deficiency?

When revisited the scientific literature and observed the patients suffering with this condition, I have found these ascertain reasons-

1. Change in Dietary Habits

Globalisation might be good. But when it comes with globalisation of diet- it should not be appreciated. Because this (globalisation) has encroached- traditional values of diet, regional- requirements and seasonal- availability. If I look at the local level, basic foods like Raab (Rabdi) the sour fermented drink has been out placed by- cornflakes and oats in breakfast. The foolish logic of Ayurveda people forced to avoid- pickles (achaar) in every diet. The drinks like Kanji are now replaced with bottled drinks.

These are subtle changes, but have very much profound impact on our over all health. Because the forgotten foods are those- which sourced B12 for all of us.

2. The Morning Magic Pill for Gas and Acidity

The PPE inhibitors, namely- Omeprazole, Esomeprazole, Lansoprazole, Dexlansoprazole, etc. are love of many Indians in the morning. Because these medicines early in morning give a liberty to eat any junk throughout the day. Perhaps your doctor never tells you that these medicines are responsible for low B12. Because the acid you are neutralising with these medicines is important for the absorption of B12 (in any quantity) from the food.

But who cares. We have solution of “pill for a pill”.

3. Your Diabetes Medicine

Yes!! Do you know the diabetes medicine- Metformin is responsible for low Vt B12 because this medicine interferes with the absorption of the B12, from the food.

4. Poor Digestion

This is the most common phenomenon today all around. Most of the patients are suffering with poor digestive system. But least are bothered about this. Once in ancient times everyone knew that poor digestion is the root cause for every disease. But now a days, it is a common thing. Gut issues lead to low intrinsic factor which translates into low absorption of B12.

How to Naturally Support B12 Levels Without Overuse of Supplements?

Since B12 cannot be naturally obtained from plant sources, Ayurveda recommends a two-pronged approach:

1. Improve Digestion & Gut Health

• Strengthen digestive fire (Agni) to improve nutrient absorption.
• Avoid processed foods, excessive caffeine, and alcohol, which disrupt B12 metabolism.
• Consume natural probiotics like buttermilk and fermented Ayurvedic drinks to support gut bacteria.

2. Ensure Balanced Nutritional Intake

• If consuming dairy, choose high-quality, unprocessed sources like fresh cow’s milk and homemade yogurt.
• If vegan, consider B12 supplementation, preferably in methylcobalamin or hydroxocobalamin form.
• Monitor blood levels regularly to avoid both deficiency and excess.

Ayurvedic Physician’s Rational Approach to B12 Nutrition

There is no true herbal source of B12, and relying on plant-based foods alone is not enough to prevent deficiency.

Key Takeaways:
✅ Herbal B12 sources are a myth – plant-based B12 is either inactive or too low.
✅ Ayurveda focuses on digestion – improving gut health helps optimize absorption.
✅ If you follow a vegan/vegetarian diet, supplementation is necessary to prevent deficiency.
✅ Overuse of B12 supplements can be harmful – regular monitoring is important.

📢 Looking for a personalized Ayurvedic approach to optimize your B12 levels naturally? Consult Sukhayu Ayurved today!

📞 Book your consultation now and get expert guidance on nutritional balance!