ok i ve read enough about being vegan to know that i have to take a vitamin b12 suppliment. im just confused about the dosage... ive read that the recommended daily amount is 2 to 5 mcg. but the lowest dosage i could find is 500 mcg. should i take one everyday? or every other day? im confused. how do you guys supplement vitamin b12 and how often? thanks!!!

I have no idea how much you're supposed to have, but I also usually take supplements too.  One time I even got a vitamin B shot because I had been feeling pretty sluggish.  I like occassionally get B12 from nutritional yeast.  I sprinkle it on my pasta, and it gives it a cheesy flavor. :)

I looked it up because I wasn't sure what other vegetarian sources of B12 were out there. It looks like you can get tofu, soymilk, or cereals that have been fortified with B12.  :)

Well from what I have read (and i may be wrong) is that it is 2-5mcg a day. But I read that you can just take a vitamin supplement that is higher once or twice a week instead of a daily dose. I usually pop one every few days when I remember.

Also I have read that if you are taking an oral tablet (i.e. not an injection) that you should aim to get one that can be dissolved in the mouth because it is easier to absorb. Also i read somewhere that you sometimes need a probiotic to assist your body in absorbing it. So far I have't done that.

I am interested in what others do.

I am pretty sure your body stores B12. If you have a large dose of it, then it should last you a while. Alicia writes about it in her book somewhere, couldn't tell you what page.

I have B12 drops and gum. I keep the gum in my vehicle, when I am feeling tired I will chew a piece. The drops I take at home when I feel sluggish. When I was a waitress I would take it frequently as a pick me up. I think it works better than coffee.

Your body stores B12, sometimes for years after you stop eating animal products.  You can take it every day or you can take it once a week.  I take mine whenever i remember, approximately ever 4-5 days.  Unlike many other vitamins, ts not something that is unsafe to take in large amounts (some energy drinks have like 1000% of your daily needs).  Get a losenge that dissolves in your mouth. 

You need vitamin B12 for many important processes inside your body, particularly for making red blood cells and keeping your nerves healthy. If you have a short supply of vitamin B12, your body won't make as many red blood cells, they will be abnormally large and won't last for as long as they should.