B12 Deficiency: Why Plant-Based Diets May Be Missing the Mark — and How Beef Liver Can Help

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble powerhouse that plays a key role in your body’s ability to function optimally. From supporting DNA synthesis and nerve health to red blood cell formation and cognitive function, B12 is absolutely essential for your vitality and longevity.

Where Do We Get B12?

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is naturally found only in animal-based foods—think beef liver, shellfish (like oysters), eggs, dairy, and meat. These animal sources offer the most bioavailable form of B12, meaning your body can absorb and use them efficiently without the need for conversion.

In contrast, plant-based foods do not naturally contain active B12. Instead, they may contain B12 analogs—inactive compounds that can actually block B12 absorption. And while fortified plant foods attempt to close the gap, they rely on synthetic B12 forms like cyanocobalamin, which may not be as easily absorbed or utilized by everyone.

Why Plant-Based Diets May Fall Short

While plant-based diets have their benefits, when it comes to B12, they often fall short. Here’s why:

• B12 analogs in plants can compete with real B12 for absorption.

• Synthetic fortified B12 lacks the synergistic cofactors found in whole food sources.

• Conversion inefficiencies in some individuals may make synthetic B12 far less effective.

This makes B12 deficiency a serious concern for strict vegans and even some vegetarians, especially over the long term.

Signs You Might Be Deficient in B12:

• Fatigue and overall weakness

• Brain fog, depression, or memory loss

• Nerve issues like tingling or numbness

• Pale or yellowish skin

• Shortness of breath or heart palpitations

• Poor vision or balance issues

Left untreated, B12 deficiency can lead to irreversible nerve damage.

Beef Liver: Nature’s Ultimate B12 Superfood

Beef liver is hands down one of the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet—and it's especially high in naturally occurring, highly bioavailable vitamin B12.

Just one serving of beef liver can provide several times the daily recommended intake of B12, along with essential cofactors like folate, iron, vitamin A, copper, and choline—all of which support B12’s functions in the body.

Plus, unlike synthetic supplements, beef liver delivers B12 in its complete nutritional context—just as nature intended.

"A study published in the Journal of Nutrition confirms that the B12 found in animal products like liver is far more bioavailable than that found in plant-based or fortified foods.¹"

Don’t Like the Taste of Liver? We Got You.

Let’s face it—liver isn’t for everyone. That’s exactly why we offer Freeze-Dried Beef Liver and Freeze-Dried Oyster capsules—convenient, whole-food supplements that deliver the real deal without the strong taste.

Both products are:

• 100% Grass-Fed (from pristine New Zealand pastures)

• Lab-tested for purity and potency

• Free from fillers, additives, or synthetic nonsense

• Packed with naturally occurring B12 + essential minerals

👉 Want to support your energy, brain, and gut with nature’s most potent B12 sources?
Shop our Beef Liver and Oyster supplements here.

Referenced Study:

¹ Watanabe, F., Yabuta, Y., Tanioka, Y., & Bito, T. (2013). Vitamin B12-containing plant food sources for vegetarians. Nutrients, 5(5), 1861–1873.