Before the widespread consumption of meat, early humans primarily acquired vitamin B12 through an often overlooked, yet natural, interaction with their environment.
The Original Pathway to B12 Acquisition
Humans, in an era preceding modern intensive farming practices and the resulting soil depletion, obtained their necessary vitamin B12 by accidental ingestion of soil and manure. This method was similar to how many wild animals naturally acquire the nutrient.
Historically, human diets were intrinsically linked to the immediate environment, which was rich in microorganisms responsible for producing B12. When consuming unwashed produce, foraging for roots, or living in close proximity to the land, trace amounts of soil and environmental microbes, which contain B12, would have been inadvertently consumed. This "natural" method ensured a consistent, albeit small, supply of the vitamin.
Why This Method Is No Longer Applicable
In today's world, this original pathway for B12 consumption is largely obsolete. Modern agriculture, with its focus on sterile environments, processed foods, and widespread use of pesticides and herbicides, has significantly altered the microbial composition of soil. Consequently, the accidental ingestion of soil no longer provides a reliable source of B12, highlighting a fundamental shift in how humans interact with their food sources and the environment.
