Vitamin B(12)-Containing Plant Food Sources for Vegetarians

The usual dietary sources of Vitamin B(12) are animal-derived foods, although a few plant-based foods contain substantial amounts of Vitamin B(12). To prevent Vitamin B(12) deficiency in high-risk populations such as vegetarians, it is necessary to identify plant-derived foods that contain high levels of Vitamin B(12). A survey of naturally occurring plant-derived food sources with high Vitamin B(12) contents suggested that dried purple laver (nori) is the most suitable Vitamin B(12) source presently available for vegetarians. Furthermore, dried purple laver also contains high levels of other nutrients that are lacking in vegetarian diets, such as iron and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Dried purple laver is a natural plant product and it is suitable for most people in various vegetarian groups.