Vegans who avoid all animal products are in danger of developing vitamin deficiency, experts warn

VEGANS who follow a “gorilla diet” could be putting their health at risk.

Experts warn that people who avoid all animal products are in danger of developing severe vitamin B12 deficiency.

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It can damage nerves in the eyes, arms and legs, causing irreversible blindness and loss of feeling.

Doctors suggest vegans take supplements to boost their B12 intake because it is typically found in meat and not plant foods.

But some hardliners refuse, claiming human-like gorillas get by on a natural vegan diet.

Prof Tom Sanders, a nutrition expert of King’s College London, said B12 is produced by bacteria in the colon and found in faeces.

It may be on un­washed wild plants eaten by gorillas and on their hands. They also eat insects.

He added: “Many new people becoming vegan are not aware of the need to make sure they have adequate levels of B12.”

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He said they should read about the dangers.

Studies show it can take years to become seriously deficient but about a fifth of vegans are.

Oxford Uni­versity Prof Tim Key said new vegans must be sensible about protein sources.

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