This item’s been reported a lot recently. A study, published in the journal Neurology, revealed that of 435 patients who got obesity surgery, 16 percent developed peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage characterized by numbness, tingling and pain) that was caused by malnutrition–a direct result of interfering with the body’s ability to absorb vitamin B-12.
Got curious about B-12 and found this on the Vegan Society‘s website:
No plant sources are reliable sources of B-12. Many vegan (no meat, eggs or dairy) foods have to be fortified. And listen to this:
Human faeces can contain significant B12. A study has shown that a group of Iranian vegans obtained adequate B12 from unwashed vegetables which had been fertilised with human manure. Faecal contamination of vegetables and other plant foods can make a significant contribution to dietary needs, particularly in areas where hygiene standards may be low. This may be responsible for the lack of aneamia due to B12 deficiency in vegan communities in developing countries.
Another good reason to file up the grill…