292776 Sat May 10 16:45:31 -0700 2003 3 27 General Chowhounding Topics 0 1599172 A question. Does Kombu kelp contain vitamin B12? Many medical articles say ONLY animal-based food provides B12. Sat May 10 16:45:31 -0700 2003 0 Hiko Ikeda 1 1599183 This article should be helpful. Apparently, it is possible that there is some B12 in certain algaes and seaweed, but it hasn't been proven that it is bioavailable B12 and not a B12 "analogue". Best to rely on animal products or supplements, unless you have absorption problems. As someone who is chronically B12 deficient, I rely on periodic intramuscular injections. Link: http://www.vegsoc.org/info/b12.html Sat May 10 21:06:08 -0700 2003 1599172 0 GG Mora 2 1599215 A thing NOBODY on this discussion board says is that ratios/compositions of various minerals for people, Kombu, and ocean water are almost identical.......I learned it a few days ago. Sun May 11 21:50:01 -0700 2003 1599183 0 Hiko Ikeda 1 1599186 Spirulina apparently has a higher B12 content than beef liver...200mcg/100g versus 80mcg. This from a book that is based on current research, but perhaps not overly conclusive research--but since mainstream medicine just come out with a study contradicting the well-established idea that we should all be drinking 8 glasses of water a day, is anything conclusive? At any rate, I haven't seen anything mentioning seaweeds generally or Kombu in particular, wheras Spirulina comes up regularly in my readings as a source. Sat May 10 23:19:09 -0700 2003 1599172 0 Susan J