May

8

Vitamin B12 for Raw Food, Vegans and Everyone Else - The Renegade Health Show Episode #48

May 8, 2008 |


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The vitamiin b12 debate is a popular one in many raw food, vegan and nutrition communities…

If you’re into raw food, a vegan, or even someone who eats a whole food diet that includes meat, eggs and/or dairy, you’ll want to watch this show.

I run over the types of vitamin b12 that you can find in your cabinet, what types of food sources are appropriate, the skinny on spirulina, and where you can find out for yourself if you’re deficient or not!

Why vitamin B12? You want to keep your brain and nervous system sharp. Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to poor memory, depression, fatigue, and neurological damage.

(I also talk about the hippie guy on my desk and answer a non-health related question as best I can…)

Take a look…

Your question of the day: What episodes do you like and which ones should we can?

Your comments and feedback are super important so be sure to click here, scroll down to the bottom of the page and tell us what you like and what you don’t!

BTW: B12 Testing can be done with Dr. D.

I wrote to him to ask him if he did the urine MMA type of testing and in proper Dr. D fashion, I got some great information back… I asked if I could share his email with you and he said sure!

Here it is…

Hi Kevin: The short answer is yes! But, you know me - there’s a lot more to the story (most of which you probably already know). The condensed version regarding the testing itself is that a blood B12 level measurement is a very unreliable test for vegans, particularly for vegans using any form of algae.

Algae and some other plant foods contain B12-analogues (false B12) that can imitate true B12 in blood tests while actually interfering with B12 metabolism. Blood counts are also unreliable as high folate intakes suppress the anemia symptoms of B12 deficiency that can be detected by blood counts.

Blood homocysteine testing is more reliable, with levels less than 10 mmol/litre being desirable. The most specific test for B12 status is methylmalonic acid (MMA) testing. If this is in the normal range in blood (<370 nmol/L) or urine (less than 4 mg/mg creatinine) then your body has enough B12. Many doctors still rely on blood B12 levels and blood counts. These are not adequate, especially in vegans.

Vitamin B12 can not be absorbed on its own: it must first combine with another substance called 'intrinsic factor' which is produced by your stomach lining. B12 from foods is released from its protein complex by the action of hydrochloric acid and enzymes. The secreted intrinsic factor then binds to B12 and this complex (IF-B12) travels to the end of the small intestine where it crosses the intestinal wall into the bloodstream. B12 is stored in the liver after it is absorbed, and any excess is excreted in the urine. The body contains roughly a 3-year supply and 30% of that found in food is typically destroyed by cooking.

So, there are some viable solutions if this deficiency is a concern or suspected!

If you are concerned or want to know if you’re getting the right amount of vitamin b12 and if your body is absorbing it, please visit Dr. D’s site by clicking here and tell him I sent you :-)

UPDATE: You can also check out Norman Clinical Labratory. They will send a uMMA by mail for (as of this post date) $150. Click here and tell them I sent you! :-)

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Kevin Gianni wants to spread the word of great health in a big way! He is an internationally known health advocate, author, and film consultant. He has helped thousands and thousands of people in over 85 countries though online health teleseminars on living and raw food and abundance, optimum health and longevity. He is also the creator and co-author of "The Busy Person's Fitness Solution"

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55 Comments so far

  1. Jacqueline Michaud on May 8, 2008 7:55 pm

    Hi Kevin!
    I like the question and answer episodes as well as in the kitchen the most. I am not as fond of the fitness and essay ones. You’re doing a great job! Thank you!

    Jacqueline

  2. RY on May 8, 2008 7:58 pm

    I vote for the variety in shows.

  3. Bob Holmstrom on May 8, 2008 8:12 pm

    You wanted to know why the toilet (and also water in your kitchen sink) rotates in the opposite direction in the southern hemisphere as compared to in the northern hemisphere. The reason is coriolis force. To keep it simple, remember the earth, and with it the water in your toilet, is rotating. In the northern hemisphere, the southern edge of the water is spinning just slightly faster than the northern edge of the water, so the water rotates. It’s the opposite in the southern hemisphere. You can overcome coriolis force easily and force the water to spin whatever direction you want with your hand, though. Just push it around and it will spin as it goes down the drain. You probably don’t want to do that while flushing your toilet, however, Kevin. :-) Unless you’re wearing a rubber glove…

  4. Joyce on May 8, 2008 8:14 pm

    Info sessions, like today’s, is high on my fave list. “In the Kitchen” with Anne Marie would be a good weekly episode. btw: made your guac today.

    I think fitness sessions are important since you have the knowledge and background (concentrate on what you know best) and essays on relevant, newsworthy subjects should be an important part of your overall strategy.

    Well, that’s my 2 cents worth. Love your down to earth, non-condescending approach.

  5. Jenny on May 8, 2008 8:27 pm

    Hi Kevin,

    I love almost all your episodes!! The only ones I have not tried to apply are the fitness ones which might be too advanced for me at this point in my life. Not to say they won’t be applicable at a later date though!!

    Please keep supplying us with wonderful, healthful, and informative info. Not to mention all your humorous moments which gives me my laughs for the day (^_^).

    Blessings,

    Jenny

  6. Rev Bob on May 8, 2008 8:50 pm

    I like all your “Episodes”, but “In The Kitchen” are my favorites.

  7. Liz on May 8, 2008 8:56 pm

    Hey Kev!

    I totally love all the shows, and love the variety!!! Don’t change anything!!!
    Variety is the spice of life, no? Keep on keepin’ on!

    xoxo
    Liz

  8. Stacy on May 8, 2008 9:10 pm

    Hi Kevin, I love your show! I usually skip fitness Friday. But I still love seeing you in your garage next to your Napoleon Poster. For your next theme night in the kitchen I would like to see you dressed as Napoleon and prepare raw Quesodillas.

    Question…I took a B12 lozenge sold by Gabrielle Cousin’s website…tree of life.com. I was so dizzy for 2 weeks. I could not function. I have been afraid of B12 ever since. Have you ever heard of this happening to anyone? Thanks for your great show. Stacy Stowers

  9. Karri on May 8, 2008 9:13 pm

    Hi Kevin,

    I really like the “in the kitchen” episodes with all the great recipes. I also very much appreciate shows on health/nutrition, like tonight’s episode about B-12. More important info like that, please.

    Great job,
    Karri

  10. Laurel on May 8, 2008 9:17 pm

    Thanks for posting this video Kevin. I’ve been a little nervous about this for a while now, and have been wondering which B-12 supplement to take. I eat 1 or 2 servings of fish each week, I’m wondering if that’s enough to keep my b12 up. . . hmmm.

    My favorite shows are the cooking ones :). I dont think you should get rid of anything that you’re doing. It’s all great!

  11. Helen on May 8, 2008 9:18 pm

    Hi Kevin,

    So far I’ve seen all your shows. I don’t usually make a comment but I want to let you know I enjoy all of your shows. Please keep the variety!
    Thanks!

    Helen

  12. Stacy on May 8, 2008 9:19 pm

    Kevin, The B12 that left me feeling ill for weeks after taking it was Perque B-12 Guard. Stacy Stowers

  13. Rawbin on May 8, 2008 9:33 pm

    I like the exercise ones, the kitchen ones, the environmental ones, and the educational ones. I like it when you add images in while you’re talking or doing something while you’re talking. Otherwise it’s just like a podcast. I mean you’re not bad to look at or anything, it’s just that I’m easily distracted by other things happening on my screen. For example in this video, you could show a picture of spirulina powder, then a bottle of vitamin B-12, etc., Or that really long word you said (I won’t try to spell it) could flash across the screen ( I learn best this way)… over all, my total faves are the exercise and kitchen.

  14. Dede on May 8, 2008 9:49 pm

    Kevin - what are the sources of B-12 in the average American diet? I guess what I mean to ask is if you eat a little of everything except absolutely no red meat - are you running a higher risk of being low on B12?
    thanks :-) dede

  15. Dede on May 8, 2008 9:53 pm

    me again - - never mind - - I understand now - Fish and chicken provide B12 - so ya don’t need red meat…I understand :-). Dede

  16. Claudia on May 8, 2008 10:00 pm

    Hi guys! I love the weekly format. My favorites are In the Kitchen and Video Essay.
    Super Job!!!

  17. Donna on May 8, 2008 10:15 pm

    Hi, Kevin:

    I just stumbled upon your site the other day. I would like to ask why you didn’t mention nutritional yeast as a source of B12? I was under the impression that it’s a great source of Vitamin B and other minerals. Am I mistaken? Please let me know, because I don’t like to take vitamin pills if there’s a better way,

    Thanks

  18. Kevin Gianni on May 8, 2008 10:27 pm

    thanks Bob for the toilet advice… I’m definitely the one who’d be playing in the toilet… not Annmarie :-)

    Stacy, have not heard of that at all. I wouldn’t let that scare you off of B12, but I’d check with an MD or Naturopath to see what’s happening… *UPDATE! Annmarie reminded me that when she took a sublingual b12 about a year ago she was getting tingles in her hands and felt like she had medicine-head. This was due to too much at one time. B12 “overdose” will give you those symptoms… so maybe you took too much on the first shot. :-)

    Laurel, in most cases, people who are eating meats like fish, chicken, red meat, don’t need to be concerned as long as they’re metabolizing B12. You can always test if you’re super concerned :-)

    Donna, welcome! I’m glad you stumbled here! I think it’s my role to be responsible when it comes to recommendations, so I will say this… I too have heard that nutritional yeast is a good source, I’ve also read about people who’ve taken it and have been deficient… so the best way to know is test. There is too much irresponsible recommendation going around the natural health world. If you’re taking b12 in the form on nutritional yeast and your methylmalonic acid levels are fine, you’re OK, if they’re not, try a different source. That’s going to be a pretty surefire way to know! :-)

  19. Bernadette on May 8, 2008 10:28 pm

    Hi Kevin,

    I love all of your shows, but I’m the most interested in your cooking shows. A friend of mine told me about a raw carrot cake recipe today, so I tried it out tonight. It was great so I’d like to share it with everyone. It is from Lori Baird’s book, “Raw Food”, but with a few minor changes.

    Raw Carrot Cake

    2 cups of oat flour (make by processing rolled oats in a food processor with an s-blade)
    2 cups of carrot pulp (left from juicing 6-8 large carrots)
    1/4 tsp of Himalayan sea salt
    2 cups of pitted dates (chopped in the food processor)
    1 cup of nuts (I used pecans and sliced almonds; walnuts would taste great too)
    1/2 cup of raw shredded coconut
    2 tsp of vanilla
    3 TB of agave nectar

    Mix all ingredients (again I used the food processor) and pat into a square baking dish. Cut and serve. It’s fabulous.

  20. Angela on May 8, 2008 10:41 pm

    Thanks for talking about B12. Although most raw food educators do advise to take a B12 supplement and are knowledgeable on the subject, there are still some, surprisingly some of the very popular raw food gurus, who still insist that B12 can be gotten from a raw vegan diet - spirulina and fermented foods. This can lead people to become very ill if they only listen to 1 or 2 people and don’t ’shop around’ for information.
    As you said, at the end of the day, it’s the truth I’m interested in, not ideology or daydreaming.
    As far as the shows go, keep the variety. I work out every day and am always looking for new tips and exercises to incorporate into my routines.

  21. Louise K on May 8, 2008 11:05 pm

    I love your shows Don’t change a thing. Hey guys is there anyone out there that live in the Conroe / Cleveland Tx area?

  22. Irina on May 8, 2008 11:13 pm

    Hi Kevin,
    I like all you shows, and haven’t missed a single one. They are inspiring, educating without being condescending, and fun to watch. It’s the mix of different topics that makes me tune in for more and keep watching. I vote for keeping the variety.

  23. Laney on May 8, 2008 11:35 pm

    I like the variety of shows you’ve been creating. My favorites are the “in the kitchen ones” though. They’ve all been helpful to me as a newbie raw fooder (almost one year now).

  24. Linda Long on May 9, 2008 12:47 am

    I like the variety in the shows but would LOVE, LOVE a repeat for firming up the arms from the fitness show.
    Thanx, enjoy all your shows,
    Linda

  25. Jessica on May 9, 2008 2:21 am

    I love all your videos except I’m not a fan of the exercise videos, I never watch them, but thats just me :P

  26. Janet Morton on May 9, 2008 4:11 am

    Thanks for all the great information and inspiration Kevin and Anne Marie. Re the toilet water if Jeannie was able to look right through the earth from where she lives, to underneath the toilet bowls on the other side of the earth the water would be spinning the same way. It’s because they are upside down. (must be my mad half hour, sorry ;)

  27. Cindy on May 9, 2008 8:12 am

    I love all your shows also and the variety is great! Love AnnMarie in them as well.

  28. Cindy on May 9, 2008 8:15 am

    Oh I forgot to mention one thing, I heard from David Wolfe that you cannot get B-12 from meats because it is cooked.

  29. linda on May 9, 2008 8:54 am

    someone mentioned nutritional yeast but i have heard it contains msg just because of the process in which it is made… is this true and the same with tvp even if itis organic??? now to your question: i love the b12 and educational shows and video and annamarie and the kitchen shows…they are all wonderful and i think you should keep the
    fitness ones even tho at my age i do not use that information… maybe on one video you could do light exercise for old folks like me:) i get a vit b12 shot from my doctor every week and wondered what you think about this? keep up the great work you do daily because you are truly changing the health of the world on day and person at a time.
    one thing to remember with your show is that every show might not be wonderful for every person but they are all important to some.
    so doing a variety so all people get what they need is important…

  30. neca on May 9, 2008 9:06 am

    Like others, I appreciate the variety of information you provide. As someone who is working up to becoming vegan (family isn’t, so it’s been a bit of a struggle), your episodes cover things I don’t even think about - like today’s B-12. Keep em coming!

  31. Alissa Benjamin on May 9, 2008 9:12 am

    Hi Kevin - I just love fitness Friday’s and in the kitchen those are really my favorite sessions. Bernadette thanks for the raw carrot cake recipe! I am goign to make this for Mother’s Day this weekend!
    Alissa

  32. Donna on May 9, 2008 9:35 am

    Thanks for the reply, Kevin. Is there an over the counter (urine) test for MMA? Going to the doctor and having a lab do it is cost prohibitive for some of us…

  33. Jennifer on May 9, 2008 9:53 am

    I love the mix of all that you offer. I tend to commnet on the in the kitchen ones, as I find them very funny. That said I learn something, or am entertained each time with your well rounded approach.

  34. Sheila on May 9, 2008 11:08 am

    I really enjoy it all, the variety is great. Thank you I thoroughly enjoy the videos and information.

  35. Ron on May 9, 2008 1:19 pm

    Hi Kevin,
    My favorite shows are in the kitchen we just prepared the raw collard wraps, y’alls tahini sauce recipe is great! The wraps are a bit messy but the fantastis taste is so worth it!

    Thanks for showing the picture on your desk the video I saw it on didn’t quite pan over to you or I would have had my answer, and I hope you are as successful as your friend in the picture!

    I hope my hair will reach the length of his, I’ve given up many times in the past or people have talked me out of growing it…

    In The Kitchen are tops but all are greatly enjoyed!

    Peace, Ron

  36. A.J. on May 9, 2008 1:21 pm

    Hi Kevin,

    You provide great videos. I get a lot of out every one except I tend to stray away from the fitness videos, mainly because I have my own routine….however if you know a fast way to achieve a planche push-up..let me know.

    Make a good day.

  37. Magda on May 9, 2008 3:14 pm

    Good selection of show topics although my faves are the cooking ones. How about going out and about in your area? Interviews with regular people around who are improving their health and diet?

    Keep going, I love your shows!

  38. Monica Livingstone on May 9, 2008 4:29 pm

    Many thanks man! B12 deficiency is really a problem today.

  39. Linda on May 9, 2008 4:40 pm

    I love the kitchen and exercise segments, and I pick and choose from the others. As you know, V and I aren’t vegans, vegetarians or raw foodies so we’re probably “fringe” viewers for you and, for that reason, don’t submit many postings that would be of interest to your general audience. However, I think the variey of your offerings is great and gives everyone the opportunity to tune in to what is personally appealing. How about including the lovely Annmarie in the fitness segments?!

  40. Lauren on May 9, 2008 5:35 pm

    Don’t you dare get rid of the exercise/fitness videos! That’s one thing that makes you unique in the world of natural health, etc. We could do with LESS recipes, though…because EVERYONE does recipes, cookbooks, and cooking shows, and frankly there are just too many of them.

  41. sheree on May 9, 2008 7:29 pm

    Hi Kevin, I love your shows. All of them! Please keep them coming. About B-12 I clicked on the link to find out about how much you should take and could not find it. I get so many different amounts. The ones I use are byBiochem Superior B-12 3000 mcg Sublingual lozenges. The instructions say to use 1 lozenges 4-7 times a week and the source is methylcobalamin. :o) I have read others that have a much smaller dose. Do you ahve another site that could give better information?

  42. vic on May 9, 2008 8:12 pm

    Water drains, tornados, huricanes etc. spin counterclockwise in the northern hemisphere due to the “coriolis effect” from the spin of the earth. Picture this: tilt your globe to the horizontal position and spin it so the “land” is rotating to the East. While it’s spinning, drop one drop of water about 1/2 way up the northern hemisphere side. It will run toward the equator but the path it leaves will not be a straight line because of the spin. Picture the path the drop took to get to the equator. It’s an arc in a counterclockwise direction. In the southern hemisphere it will be in a clockwise direction. Cool huh? All particles will travel this way. Of course this is just to illustrate the concept and there are many more factors involved.

  43. Louann on May 9, 2008 9:32 pm

    Hi Kevin,
    Since you asked, my absolute video was you and Annemarie, you with your sombrero, about Cinco de Mayo! Otherwise, I love the kitchen and information sections. The one I usually skip is the Friday Fit……
    It is great that you started this series! May this continue for A LONG TIME.
    Louann

  44. Jessica on May 9, 2008 10:29 pm

    {EDITOR NOTE: I’m unaware of these claims here, nor have I used this product, but the Quantum Nutrition Site is interesting… so I’ll leave the link :-) )

    I just wanted to offer up a great site for getting high quality b12, all the b really. they Also have the best nutritional yeast ever, very clean and very yummy! check out

    http://www.qnlabs.com/

    QNL Quantum Rx Max Stress “B” Nano Plex
    Key Benefits

    * The World’s first natural-source B vitamins made from probiotic fermentation
    * International patent-pending technology
    * Highly active, living “B” vitamins in their end-chain forms which deliver high cellular resonance (Other B vitamin products are typically synthetic with no cellular resonance.)
    * Maximum stress support, anti-aging, instantaneous energy boost, brain rejuvenation, heart health and mood balance
    * Research suggests natural sources of B vitamins are safest and most effective

  45. Janice on May 9, 2008 10:56 pm

    I enjoy the variety that you provide, so stay the course. I did get a bit dizzy watching the one where you were walking all over the city!! Thanks for the show!

  46. ROB on May 10, 2008 8:16 am

    I love all your shows but Fitness Fridays are my favorite. I’ve been using all of the workout routines you’ve posted so far and I love how I can do them anywhere even on my breaks at work. It makes me feel great to get a short workout in. And I’m having a lot more fun than working out in the gym. THANK YOU!!!

  47. Kevin Gianni on May 10, 2008 9:01 am

    For those of you who have been asking, you can also get a mail order uMMA here: http://www.b12.com :-)

    Kev

  48. Sarah Jeppson on May 10, 2008 9:18 am

    I love your show! Well, maybe it’s not an official show. But I don’t have a t.v. (voluntary simplicity) and I love to watch stuff on health. I’m a raw foodist looking for REAL health and peace and love and all those things to make our world a better place.

    So, your show is right up my ally to watch a short clip to learn a little more about something that interests me. It helps that you look healthy and are so jazzed about life. That’s what I’m looking for!

  49. Kevin Gianni on May 10, 2008 9:27 am

    Hey Sarah, thanks for posting! It’s about as real as a health show gets these days… there’s not much on TV (though I actually wouldn’t know, we don’t have cable either!)

    Kev

  50. kanti on May 10, 2008 2:24 pm

    I would like to know what brand/source of B12 you are taking, if possible.
    I love all of your shows…don’t change a thing1
    Kanti

  51. JoyceF on May 10, 2008 3:58 pm

    Hi Kevin,
    I love all of the videos and do tend to derive a lot of good info from them. I’m fond of the exercise demonstrations and the kitchen videos cuz they do help to make the point better when we are able to actually see a demonstration. I think that both you and Ann Marie are adorable. I love your generousity of spirit. Keep up the good work! JoyceF

  52. Karen on May 10, 2008 8:20 pm

    First of all, I absolutely love your enthusiasm, dedication and hard work. If we want to be healthy, modern medicine will certainly not teach us what we need to know. The variety of your shows is great. I especially love the kitchen segments because learning about raw food is important to me. Thanks Kevin and Ann Marie. You’re the best!!

  53. Jeni on May 10, 2008 11:38 pm

    Hi Kev

    All your shows are great. I am still a bit sceptical about the B12 info. I beleived that any type of plant food on this earth is good for us and dont see why this info. that algeas immitate B12 dont actually allow our systems to absorb it/use it.
    The intrinic factor bit I can understand but I always wonder if this info about algeas immitate B12 is put about by companies with a vested interest in supplements.
    Most studiess have a slant to it and the real facts can be so disorted in the companies favour, and not just good honest education.
    When I get more time I will try to find out more onfo, unless you can explain more Kev?

  54. Jonathan Silva on May 11, 2008 12:17 pm

    I love all the type of shows. Can’t pick a favorite! Variety is definitely a good factor to have - it helps to have a wider audience with varied interests.

    I’d classify your show as an “all you can eat buffet of health, fitness and general well-being”.

  55. Lindy on May 11, 2008 7:30 pm

    Here comes another vote for variety. That’s what I really like, since I watch every episode.

    Some fitness shows are too advanced for me at this point. But, with consistent work on my part, they’ll be very useful in the future.

    My favorite part is your humor and creativity
    combined with a very down to earth style of presentation.

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