232 THE CHINA STUDY
they are consumed in high amounts. This is one more indication that it
is better to rely on the vitamin precursors, beta-carotene and sunshine,
so that our bodies can readily control the timing and quantities of vita-
mins A and D that are needed.
Vitamin B12 is more problematic. Vitamin B12 is made by microor-
ganisms found in the soil and by microorganisms in the intestines of
animals, including our own. The amount made in our intestines is not
adequately absorbed, so it is recommended that we consume B12 in food.
Research has convincingly shown that plants grown in healthy soil that
has a good concentration of vitamin B12 will readily absorb this nutri-
ent.lO However, plants grown in "lifeless" soil (non-organic soil) may
be deficient in vitamin B 12. In the United States, most of our agriculture
takes place on relatively lifeless soil, decimated from years of unnatural
pesticide, herbicide and fertilizer use. So the plants grown in this soil
and sold in our supermarkets lack B 12. In addition, we live in such a
sanitized world that we rarely come into direct contact with the soil-
borne microorganisms that produce B 12. At one point in our history, we
got B12 from vegetables that hadn't been scoured of all soil. Therefore, it
is not unreasonable to assume that modern Americans who eat highly
cleansed plant products and no animal products are unlikely to get
enough vitamin B 12.
Though our society's obsession with nutrient supplements seriously
detracts from other, far more important nutrition information, this is
not to say that supplements should always be avoided. It is estimated
that we hold a three-year store of vitamin B12 in our bodies. If you do
not eat any animal products for three years or more, or are pregnant or
breastfeeding, you should consider taking a small B12 supplement on
occasion, or going to the doctor annually to check your blood levels
of B vitamins and homocysteine. Likewise, if you never get sunshine
exposure, especially during the winter months, you might want to take
a vitamin D supplement. I would recommend taking the smallest dose
you can find and making more of an effort to get outside.
I call these supplements "separation from nature pills," because a
healthy diet of fresh, organic plant-based foods grown in rich soil and
a lifestyle that regularly takes you outdoors is the best answer to these
issues. Returning to our natural way of life in this small way provides
innumerable other benefits, as well.