Neurologist Explains Why Pure Vegetarians Face High Risk of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

An AIIMS-trained neurologist, Dr. Priyanka Sherawat, has highlighted the critical reason why individuals following a pure vegetarian diet are highly susceptible to Vitamin B12 deficiency. The fundamental issue is that plants do not synthesize B12 because they do not require it for their cellular processes, unlike humans and animals. Since Vitamin B12 is predominantly found in animal products, this lack of natural dietary sources in a purely plant-based diet leads to a widespread deficiency; an estimated 47% of the Indian population is affected. The body critically needs B12 for three essential functions: the formation of red blood cells, the synthesis of genetic material (DNA), and maintaining neurological health by forming the myelin sheath around nerve fibers.
The neurologist emphasizes that because vegetarian sources contain very little, if any, usable B12, pure vegetarians must proactively address this gap. To ensure adequate intake and support neurological and overall bodily functions, individuals on a strict vegetarian diet should prioritize supplementation or consume B12-fortified food items. This necessary measure prevents potential health issues related to the deficiency, underscoring that while a vegetarian diet is healthy, careful attention to this particular essential nutrient is crucial for optimal well-being.