The Spirit

of
Prophecy
and

Vitamin B 12

by
Vernon Sparks, MD
2 The Spirit of Prophecy

Copyright © 1995, 2002

by
Vernon Sparks

Published
by

Vernon C. Sparks, M.D.

1481 Reagan Valley Road
Tellico Plains, TN 37385
and Vitamin B12 3

Contents
The Spirit of Prophecy and Vitamin B12 ...................................... 5
God’s Lists for a Proper Diet ........................................................ 5
The “Original” Diet ....................................................................... 7
“All” the Elements of Nutrition ..................................................... 9
The Largest List .......................................................................... 10
Running Ahead of the Lord ......................................................... 12
Future Increase of Disease in Animals ....................................... 13
A Time of Trouble Beforehand ................................................... 14
Misrepresenting Health Reform .................................................. 16
Provision Will Be Made ............................................................... 17
Not Yet Time ............................................................................... 17
All the Nutritive Properties Necessary ....................................... 18
Progressive Diet Reform ............................................................ 18
When Circumstances Demand It ................................................ 19
The Issue of Vitamin B12 ........................................................... 20
Two Positions .............................................................................. 20
The Lord Preparing the Way? ..................................................... 21
Vitamin B12 Supplementation ...................................................... 23
If There Is Error .......................................................................... 24
Cheese in the Diet ...................................................... 27

3
4 The Spirit of Prophecy
and Vitamin B12 5

The Spirit of Prophecy

and
Vitamin B12

F
OR A NUMBER of health-related reasons, an increasing num-
ber of persons are leaving not only all meat but also all animal
products out of their diets. This paper presents Spirit of Proph-
ecy evidence that at least some of these total vegetarians may run into
some health problems, and that the Lord’s counsel to such persons is to
add “something” back into their diets. This book proposes that some
form of vitamin B12 supplementation will probably avert or correct the
vast majority of any such problems.

God’s Lists for a Proper Diet

According to Webster’s New Collegiate Dictionary, the word
“proper” means: “marked by suitability, righteousness, or appropriate-
ness.” Repeatedly the Spirit of Prophecy says our diet is to be “proper.”
See The Ministry of Healing, 127; Counsels on Diet and Foods, 301,
305. Many of us are frustrated by such a vague description of what our
diet and the diet of others is to be. We would be much more satisfied if
God would just give us a diet sheet with all of the individual foods speci-
fied by name with daily amounts and frequency. It would certainly save
a large amount of time and discussion regarding our personal prefer-
ences and choices.
In our search for such a diet sheet, we have been disappointed by
the lack of clear details in God’s counsels. It is true that there are instruc-
tions regarding a few specific food items, but much of the instruction is
limited to food types and groups. This search for a diet sheet in God’s
counsels is reflected by the differences in our various opinions as to what
is the best, the ideal, the most healthful, the most nutritious—“the most
proper”—diet for today. As we have searched for God’s diet sheet, we
6 The Spirit of Prophecy
find ourselves in disagreement over what is meant by the words “origi-
nal” or “natural” with reference to our food. Not finding a detailed diet
sheet, we have tended to adopt one list or another of types of food as
found in the Spirit of Prophecy and the Bible as being an exclusive list of
what God ordains for our diet. If a certain food is not included in our
chosen Spirit of Prophecy list of foods, we tend to exclude that food from
the “proper diet.” We accept one list of recommended food types, while
ignoring other differing lists. It would be well for us to look at as many of
the Spirit of Prophecy food lists as possible to see whether their differ-
ences can be harmonized, and thus perhaps help us to be better unified in
our dietary practices and instructions.
Accepting the book Counsels on Diet and Foods, for what the com-
pilers claim it to be—“An effort was made to include the full range of
instruction on the subject from Mrs. White’s pen. . . . While the limita-
tions of space and the effort to avoid repetition have made it inadvisable
to include every statement on the more general phases of the diet ques-
tion, a complete and comprehensive presentation of the E. G. White teach-
ings has been given.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 3–4—we will use it
as our primary source of reference. It offers the advantage of providing
the date of writing, or first publication, for each reference quoted. This
dating may prove of help to us in arriving at the best definition of a
proper diet for our day.
As we look through the above-mentioned book, we find a number of
food groups recommended as being part of a proper diet for these last
days:
“Let us teach the people to eat freely of the fresh grapes, apples,
peaches, pears, berries, and all other kinds of fruit that can be obtained.”
Counsels on Diet and Foods, 309, 1902.
“The Lord has been working, and is still working, to lead men to
prepare from fruits and grains, foods more simple and less expensive
than many of those that can now be obtained.” Ibid., 268, 1905.
“For those who can use them, good vegetables, prepared in a healthful
manner, are better than soft mushes or porridge.” Ibid., 322, 1897.
“Nuts and nut foods are coming largely into use to take the place of
flesh meats. With nuts may be combined grains, fruits, and some roots,
to make foods that are healthful and nourishing.” Ibid., 363, 1905.
“While I would discard flesh meat as injurious, something less ob-
jectionable may be used, and this is found in eggs. Do not remove milk
and Vitamin B12 7
from the table or forbid its being used in the cooking of food. The milk
used should be procured from healthy cows, and should be sterilized.”
Ibid., 367, 1901.
“Vegetables should be made palatable with a little milk or cream, or
something equivalent.” Ibid, 355, 1909.
All food types recommended by the Spirit of Prophecy are named
or included in the above lists. Thus by searching here a little and there a
little, one can discern what the ingredients are for a proper diet, or at
least what they were at the time the counsels were written.
This book will not attempt to settle differences of understanding
regarding the place of refined products such as sugar, salt, white flour,
vegetable and grain oils, or multiple vitamins and minerals, which are all
derivatives of the above recommended foods. Neither will it enter into
discussion regarding the use of flesh food, which is usually eliminated
from a proper diet. See Counsels on Diet and Foods, 368–370; 373–
416. See Appendix A for a discussion of cheese in the diet. The remain-
der of this book will attempt to clarify some of the inconsistencies and
potential problems created when our diet sheet does not agree with the
diet sheet as outlined by the Spirit of Prophecy above.

The “Original” Diet

Some of us might end up with an abbreviated diet sheet because
we have difficulty understanding the Spirit of Prophecy’s use of the
word “original.”
“In order to know what are the best foods, we must study God’s
original plan for man’s diet.” Ibid., 81, 1905.
The concept of the “original” diet is reaffirmed in speaking of the
plan for ancient Israel as they left Egypt:
“The perverted appetite was to be brought into a more healthy state,
that they might enjoy the food originally provided for man—the fruits of
the earth, which God gave to Adam and Eve in Eden.” Ibid., 378, 1890.
Several quotations list only fruits, grains, and nuts—identified in
Genesis as the “original” diet of Adam and Eve—and might be inter-
preted that indeed our present “proper diet” is to be limited to these “origi-
nal” three groups:
“The Lord will give His people wisdom to prepare from that which
the earth yields, foods that will take the place of flesh meat. Simple com-
binations of nuts and grains and fruits, manufactured with taste and skill,
8 The Spirit of Prophecy
will commend themselves to unbelievers.” Ibid., 269, 1901.
“Now no tea, coffee, or flesh meat is served in the institution. We
are determined to live out the principles of health reform, to walk in the
way of truth and righteousness. We shall not, for fear of losing patron-
age, be half-and-half reformers. We have taken our position, and by God’s
help we shall stand by it. The food provided for the patients is whole-
some and palatable. The diet is composed of fruits and grains and nuts.”
Ibid., 414–415, 1903.
“We do not mark out any precise line to be followed in diet; but we
do say that in countries where there are fruits, grains, and nuts in abun-
dance, flesh food is not the right food for God’s people.” Ibid., 95–96,
1909.
One can make a fairly strong argument for this “original” diet if he
or she were to look no further. However, one must take into consider-
ation the fact that the original diet of fruits, grains and nuts given to
Adam and Eve in the garden also included fruit from the tree of life,
which presently is safely guarded in heaven from the sinner’s grasp. We
must study further in order to know what is the “proper diet” for us
today:
“He is bringing them back to the diet originally given to man. Their
diet is to consist of the foods made from the materials He has provided.
The materials principally used in these foods will be fruits and grains
and nuts, but various roots will also be used.” Ibid., 81–82, 1902.
“Vegetables, fruits, and grains should compose our diet. Not an
ounce of flesh meat should enter our stomachs. The eating of flesh is
unnatural. We are to return to God’s original purpose in the creation of
man.” Ibid., 380, 1903.
Here we have vegetables inserted into this “original” plan for man.
The next two references help to clarify the use of the word “original.”
“Again and again I have been shown that God is trying to lead us
back, step by step, to His original design—that man should subsist upon
the natural products of the earth.” Counsels on Health, 450, 1890.
“Again and again I have been shown that God is bringing His people
back to His original design, that is, not to subsist upon the flesh of dead
animals.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 82, 1884.
Thus the word “original” is being used to define a proper diet that is
original (like Adam and Eve’s diet before they sinned) in the sense that it
includes no flesh food. Rather than fully defining what a proper diet
and Vitamin B12 9
includes, the quotations referring to “original” are primarily defining what
it does not include—meat.
There is another quotation in which the concept of original applies
to a diet without meat, tea or coffee, and is not intended to spell out the
details of what the proper diet is to include:
“There is a great work to be done in bringing the principles of health
reform to the notice of the people. Public meetings should be held to
introduce the subject, and schools should be held in which those who are
interested can be told more particularly about our health foods and how
a wholesome, nourishing, appetizing diet can be provided without the
use of meat, tea, or coffee.
“Thus we did in the early history of our work. We taught the people
by demonstration that we can safely depend for the sustenance of life
upon the productions which God gave our first parents in Eden.” The
Paulson Collection, 4, 1904.

“All” the Elements of Nutrition

Another key word that can lead us to an abbreviated proper diet
sheet is “all.” In reviewing the lists of appropriate foods, we find the
word “all” or its equivalent in many places: “All the elements of nutri-
tion.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 395, 1883. “All the nutritive proper-
ties necessary.” Ibid., 322, 1896. “All that the system requires.” Ibid.,
319, 1897. “All the system required.” Ibid., 413, 1898. “A dietary that is
complete.” The Ministry of Healing, 299. These quotations are speaking
of the three food groups of fruits, vegetables and grains. This seems to be
conclusive evidence that no other types of food are required in order to
get all of the nutritive elements needed.
Another two references, however, use the word “all” and are speak-
ing of the four food groups of fruits, vegetables, grains and nuts: “All the
nutritive properties necessary.” Ibid., 316, 1905. “All the food elements
we need.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 92, 1906.
How do we harmonize these two groups of statements? One solu-
tion is to say that indeed all of the needed nutritive elements are found in
fruits, vegetables and grains, and that nuts are not really needed. It would
seem however, that nuts, included in Eden’s original diet, surely must
contribute something to the proper diet.
There is a better way to harmonize these two apparently contradic-
tory sets of statements. We are given a clue in a statement found in. The
10 The Spirit of Prophecy
Kress Collection, 21, 1898. “Flesh meat is not necessary for the health
and strength of mind or body. If the Lord had not furnished all that is
essential in the vegetable world, there would be an excuse for meat eat-
ing, but animals are now so diseased that it is now really dangerous; it is
unclean to eat meat.” This quotation is not saying that vegetables have
all of the needed elements, but it is clearly stating that flesh meat is not
necessary in order to have a proper diet which has all of the needed
elements.
As we look at the other previous references using the concept of
“all,” they are also in reference to meat eating. They are not dietary lists
given for the purpose of listing all food types that make up a proper diet.
They are given to emphasize the message that flesh meat is not needed in
order to have a proper diet with “all” of the necessary elements. Their
purpose is not to provide a dietary list which eliminates all other foods
from a proper dietary. This becomes clearer as we continue in our study.

The Largest List

As we look for God’s diet list for the end-time generation, the fol-
lowing quotation might lead some to adopt an overly restrictive diet. “A
plain, simple, but liberal supply of fruit is the best food that can be
placed before those who are preparing for the work of God.” Counsels
on Diet and Foods, 310, 1896. Or perhaps this quotation, “Grains and
fruits prepared free from grease, and in as natural a condition as pos-
sible, should be the food for the tables of all who claim to be preparing
for translation to heaven.” Ibid., 314, 1869. We can now recognize that
these two diet lists are given to emphasize the importance of grains and
fruits, and are not given to instruct us that we should eat nothing else.
Someone might say, “Well, then, let us search for the list that men-
tions in one place the greatest number of types of foods, then that should
be the proper diet for us.”
The highest number of food types I found listed together is four. Let
us look at them. I found fruits, grains, nuts and vegetables listed together
in nine places. (See Counsels on Diet and Foods, 470, 81–82, 92, 363
[twice], 443, and The Ministry of Healing, 316 [twice]. Two of these
(Counsels on Diet and Foods, 81–82) are associated with the word “origi-
nal” (see previous discussion). Two of these nine quotations are associ-
ated with the word or concept of “all” (see previous discussion), and are
quoted below:
and Vitamin B12 11
“In grains, fruits, vegetables, and nuts are to be found all the food
elements that we need. If we will come to the Lord in simplicity of mind,
He will teach us how to prepare wholesome food free from the taint of
flesh meat.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 92, 1906.
“The grains, with fruits, nuts, and vegetables contain all the nutri-
tive properties necessary to make good blood. These elements are not so
well or so fully supplied by a flesh diet.” The Ministry of Healing, 316,
1905.
The nine listings of the four food groups of fruits, grains, nuts and
vegetables were written during a seven-year period from 1900 through
1906. With these late dates, and the association with “all the food ele-
ments that we need,” and “all the nutritive properties necessary to make
good blood,” it is very tempting to accept these as the list for a proper
diet. If this statement is true, then all other foods can be left out of our
diet without fear of any health problems.
It must be noted that four of the nine lists giving four food groups
are in the context of eliminating flesh foods. However, there is one more
dietary list that must first be harmonized with all the others before con-
clusions can be drawn. It lists four types of foods, but a different four
from the fruits, grains, nuts and vegetables.
“Fruits, grains, and vegetables, prepared in a simple way, free from
spice and grease of all kinds, make, with milk or cream, the most health-
ful diet. They impart nourishment to the body, and give a power of en-
durance and a vigor of intellect that are not produced by a stimulating
diet.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 92, 1890.
Here we have nuts replaced by animal products. It too is written in
the context of condemning a diet containing meat. The primary purpose
of these lists of four food types is to emphasize that flesh meats and other
stimulating foods are not essential for good health. These lists again are
not an attempt to place in one place all of the acceptable or preferred
foods for a proper diet.
Thus, just as in studying the Bible, one must study “here a little,
and there a little” (Isaiah 28:13) and then harmonize all of the informa-
tion in order to arrive at what is truth. We must also do the same with the
Spirit of Prophecy in the areas of health. Around the turn of the century
when these latter references were penned, it seems that the five food
types—fruits, grains, nuts, vegetables and certain animal products—made,
and under certain conditions may still make, “the most healthful diet.” It
12 The Spirit of Prophecy
is neither wise nor safe to eliminate one of these five food types from
our diet based only on the references studied thus far. We need more
study of the subject matter before routinely eliminating animal products
from our diet and the diet of others. There is not one single list in the
Spirit of Prophecy that contains all of the foods of a proper diet—“the
most healthful diet”—for the general population. In order to know whether
or when to eliminate all animal products, one must study deeper into the
counsels of the Lord.
This tendency not to list in one place all of the information regard-
ing a given subject is found also in the area of the “simple remedies” that
God has given to us as the backbone of our health program. The most
complete list is found in The Ministry of Healing, 127:
“Pure air, sunlight, abstemiousness, rest, exercise, proper diet, the
use of water, trust in divine power—these are the true remedies.” We
refer to the remedies in this list as “the eight natural remedies.” We find
abbreviated lists of these eight remedies in a number of references. See
Testimonies, vol. 5, 443; Medical Ministry, 223–224, 233; Counsels on
Health, 261; Testimonies, vol. 7, 85. We are also instructed to use other
methods in addition to these eight, such as charcoal (see Selected Mes-
sages, book 2, 287, 294– 295, 298, 300) and simple herbs. See Medical
Ministry, 230–231; Selected Messages, book 2, 279, 288–289, 291, 294–
295, 297–298. Thus one must search here a little and there a little to
know all of God’s will. God frequently does not put a complete list in any
one location.

Running Ahead of the Lord

The matter of eliminating all animal products from our diet is not a
new concept among Seventh-day Adventists. Around 1870 it was being
promoted by articles and editorials in the church’s health magazine—
The Health Reformer. Even prominent non-Adventist physicians were
writing articles for The Health Reformer, advocating the total elimina-
tion of all animal products, along with such items as salt and sugar.
Several Adventists adopted an abbreviated diet. However, Ellen White
did not adopt these extreme views, but continued the moderate use of
milk, cream, eggs, salt and sugar. 1
“We place no butter upon our table. Our vegetables are generally
cooked with milk or cream and made very palatable. . . . We think a
moderate amount of milk from a healthy cow not objectionable. We sel-
and Vitamin B12 13
dom prepare our food with butter. When we cannot obtain milk, we use
a very trifle in some articles of vegetables. . . .
“We have but one cow. She gives but a very little milk. We have
made this little do the cooking and table use for a company of from
twelve to twenty. . . . We cannot obtain cream to use, but we should use
more of it could we get it to use. I greatly object to an impoverished diet.
...
“If you have eggs, use them as your judgment shall dictate. Yet I
would say for children of strong animal passions, they are positively
injurious. The same may be said of adults. . . .
“I would not advise you to set aside milk or a moderate use of eggs
[or a] moderate use of sugar.” E.G. White Letter 5, 1870.2
In the same year James White, in the Review and Herald, clarified
the position of Mrs. White. Apparently the Lord had impressed her that
the animals should be as healthy as possible, but she had not been led to
believe that they were not an important part of a proper diet. The animal
products were not to be eliminated merely because of their origin.
“It may be well here to state, however, that while she does not re-
gard milk, taken in large quantities, as customarily eaten with bread, the
best article of food, her mind, as yet, has only been called to the impor-
tance of the best and most healthy condition possible of the cow, whose
milk is used as an article of food. She cannot unite in circulating publica-
tions broadcast which take an extreme position on the important ques-
tion of milk, with her present light upon the subject.” Counsels on Diet
and Foods, 497, 1870.
Thus leaving animal products out of one’s diet was not an advance
in health reform in the 1870s.

Future Increase of Disease in Animals

In 1873 Ellen White stated that, in the future, disease in animals
would increase to the point that these items would need to be eliminated
from the “proper diet.”
“We have always used a little milk and some sugar. This we have
never denounced, either in our writings or in our preaching. We believe
cattle will become so much diseased that these things will yet be dis-
carded, but the time has not yet come for sugar and milk to be wholly
abolished from our tables.” Ibid., 356, 1873.
Seventeen years later she was inspired to include certain animal
14 The Spirit of Prophecy
products as part of “the most healthful diet.” “Fruits, grains, and veg-
etables, prepared in a simple way, free from spice and grease of all kinds,
make, with milk or cream, the most healthful diet.” Ibid., 92, 1890.
Even four years later she defined a consecrated table as being free
from flesh meats, but having milk as part of the dietary. “We have plenty
of good milk, fruit, and bread. I have already consecrated my table. I
have freed it from all flesh meats.” Ibid., 488, 1894.
The following year she pointed out that the animal products placed
on her table were from known sources and apparently from healthy ani-
mals. “We have a large family, and besides have many guests, but neither
meat nor butter is placed upon our table. We use the cream from the milk
of the cows which we feed ourselves. We purchased butter for cooking
purposes from dairies where the cows are in healthy condition, and have
good pasture.” Ibid., 1895.
In approaching 1900, Mrs. White was led to emphasize again the
future need to leave animal products out of the diet because of the in-
crease in disease among the animals. “There is no safety in the eating of
the flesh of dead animals, and in a short time the milk of the cows will
also be excluded from the diet of God’s commandment-keeping people.
In a short time it will not be safe to use anything that comes from the
animal creation.” Ibid., 411, 1898. “The light given me is that it will not
be very long before we shall have to give up any animal food. Even milk
will have to be discarded. Disease is accumulating rapidly. The curse of
God is upon the earth, because man has cursed it.” Ibid., 357, 1899.
The health food industry was to prepare foods to take the place of
foods from animal sources. “The health food business is in need of means
and of the active cooperation of our people, that it may accomplish the
work it ought to do. Its purpose is to supply the people with food which
will take the place of flesh meat, and also milk and butter, which, on
account of the diseases of cattle, are becoming more and more objection-
able.” Ibid., 350, 1900.

A Time of Trouble Beforehand

With such counsels from the Lord’s servant it is not surprising that
many zealous, well-meaning, health reformers around the turn of the
century felt that it was then time to eliminate not only meat but also all
animal products from the proper diet. The health work in Battle Creek
served as a center from which these concepts began to spread around
and Vitamin B12 15
the world. Dr. D. H. Kress went as a worker to Europe and there began
to vigorously promote and to eat a diet without animal products. Over a
period of time he became very ill, and his situation in 1901 brought forth
extensive instruction from the Lord’s servant. 3
“While I would discard flesh meat as injurious, something less ob-
jectionable may be used, and this is found in eggs. Do not remove milk
from the table or forbid its being used in the cooking of food. The milk
used should be procured from healthy cows, and should be sterilized. . .
. You must not deprive yourself of that class of food which makes good
blood. Your devotion to true principles is leading you to submit yourself
to a diet which is giving you an experience that will not recommend
health reform. This is your danger. When you see that you are becoming
weak physically, it is essential for you to make changes, and at once. Put
into your diet something you have left out. It is your duty to do this. Get
eggs of healthy fowls. Use these eggs cooked or raw. Drop them un-
cooked into the best unfermented wine [grape juice] you can find. This
will supply that which is necessary to your system. Do not for a moment
suppose that it will not be right to do this. . . .
“We appreciate your experience as a physician, and yet I say that
milk and eggs should be included in your diet. These things cannot at
present be dispensed with, and the doctrine of dispensing with them should
not be taught. . . .
“The time will come when milk cannot be used as freely as it is
now used; but the present time is not the time to discard it. And eggs
contain properties which are remedial agencies in counteracting poi-
sons. And while warnings have been given against the use of these
articles of diet in families where the children were addicted to, yes,
steeped in, habits of self-abuse; yet we should not consider it a denial
of principle to use eggs of hens which are well cared for and suitably
fed. . . .
“All flesh food should be discarded, but vegetables should be made
palatable with a little milk or cream or something equivalent. The poor
say, when health reform is presented to them: ‘What shall we eat? We
cannot afford to buy the nut foods.’ As I preach the gospel to the poor,
I am instructed to tell them to eat that food which is most nourishing.
I cannot say to them: You must not eat eggs, or milk, or cream; you
must use no butter in the preparation of food. The gospel must be
preached to the poor, and the time has not yet come to prescribe the
16 The Spirit of Prophecy
strictest diet.
“The time will come when we may have to discard some of the
articles of diet we now use, such as milk and cream and eggs; but my
message is that you must not bring yourself to a time of trouble be-
forehand, and thus afflict yourself with death. Wait till the Lord pre-
pares the way before you. . . .
“But I wish to say that when the time comes that it is no longer
safe to use milk, cream, butter, and eggs, God will reveal this. No
extremes in health reform are to be advocated. The question of using
milk and butter and eggs will work out its own problem. At present
we have no burden on this line. Let your moderation be known unto
all men.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 203–206, 1901.
Key phrases in these counsels reaffirm that animal products
are not to be classed with flesh meat. When from healthy sources
and used in moderation, they were included as an essential part of
“the most healthful diet.” Disease in animals would be increasing
and because of this fact, at some future time which God would
reveal, it would no longer be safe to use them. The Lord would
prepare the way for the people to safely eliminate all animal prod-
ucts. To run ahead of the Lord would be to create a premature
“time of trouble.” This caution was re-emphasized in a later letter
of the same year. “The time may come when it will not be safe to
use milk. But if the cows are healthy and the milk thoroughly cooked,
there is no necessity of creating a time of trouble beforehand.”
Ibid., 357, 1901.

Misrepresenting Health Reform

Such radical teaching as discontinuing all animal products ahead of
God’s leading would result in a misrepresentation of health reform:
“There is danger that in presenting the principles of health reform
some will be in favor of bringing in changes that would be for the worse
instead of for the better. Health reform must not be urged in a radical
manner. As the situation now is, we cannot say that milk and eggs and
butter should be entirely discarded. We must be careful to make no inno-
vations, because under the influence of extreme teaching there are con-
scientious souls who will surely go to extremes. Their physical appear-
ance will injure the cause of health reform; for few know how to properly
supply the place of that which they discard.” Ibid., 352, 1901.
and Vitamin B12 17
Provision Will Be Made
Later in 1901 the servant of the Lord reconfirmed this message.
Even though cattle at that time were “becoming greatly diseased,” it was
still neither the time nor safe to eliminate animal products. Some type of
worldwide provision, comparable to God setting “a table in the wilder-
ness,” would make it possible in the future to safely take animal products
out of man’s diet. “We see that cattle are becoming greatly diseased, the
earth itself is corrupted, and we know that the time will come when it will
not be best to use milk and eggs. But that time has not yet come. We
know that when it does come, the Lord will provide. The question is
asked, meaning much to all concerned, Will God set a table in the wilder-
ness? I think the answer may be made, ‘Yea, God will provide food for
His people.’
“In all parts of the world provision will be made to supply the place
of milk and eggs. And the Lord will let us know when the time comes to
give up these articles.” Ibid., 359, 1901.

Not Yet Time

The following year the same counsel was repeated. Health re-
formers were to teach the people how to prepare food without animal
products, but at the same time they were to be instructed that it was not
yet necessary, nor desirable, to wholly eliminate these items from the
diet:
“Milk, eggs, and butter should not be classed with flesh meat. In
some cases the use of eggs is beneficial. The time has not come to say
that the use of milk and eggs should be wholly discarded. There are poor
families whose diet consists largely of bread and milk. They have little
fruit, and cannot afford to purchase the nut foods. In teaching health
reform, as in all other gospel work, we are to meet the people where they
are. Until we can teach them how to prepare health reform foods that are
palatable, nourishing, and yet inexpensive, we are not at liberty to present
the most advanced propositions regarding health reform diet.” Ibid., 351,
1902.
“Let the diet reform be progressive. Let the people be taught how to
prepare food without the use of milk or butter. Tell them that the time
will soon come when there will be no safety in using eggs, milk, cream,
or butter, because disease in animals is increasing in proportion to the
increase of wickedness among men. The time is near when, because of
18 The Spirit of Prophecy
the iniquity of the fallen race, the whole animal creation will groan under
the diseases that curse our earth.” Ibid., 460, 1902.

All the Nutritive Properties Necessary

As previously mentioned, the Lord’s servant in 1905 and 1906 penned
the two references listing the four food types—fruits, grains, nuts and
vegetables as having “all” of the food nutrients:
“In grains, fruits, vegetables, and nuts are to be found all the food
elements that we need. If we will come to the Lord in simplicity of mind,
He will teach us how to prepare wholesome food free from the taint of
flesh meat.” Ibid., 92, 1906.
“The grains, with fruits, nuts, and vegetables, contain all the nutri-
tive properties necessary to make good blood. These elements are not so
well or so fully supplied by a flesh diet.” The Ministry of Healing, 316,
1905.
This latter reference specifies that these four food types contain “all
the nutritive properties necessary to make good blood.” Later in the same
book, The Ministry of Healing, some clear-cut counsel is given that only
those who, because of poverty or location, cannot economically obtain
“fruits and nuts” or whose “blood-making organs are feeble,” should
still be using milk and eggs. Moreover, that even these should use such
food only from healthy cows and chickens:
“Those who live in new countries or in poverty-stricken districts
where fruits and nuts are scarce, should not be urged to exclude milk and
eggs from their dietary. It is true that persons in full flesh and in whom
the animal passions are strong need to avoid the use of stimulating foods.
Especially in families of children who are given to sensual habits, eggs
should not be used. But in the case of persons whose blood-making or-
gans are feeble—especially if other foods to supply the needed elements
cannot be obtained—milk and eggs should not be wholly discarded. Great
care should be taken, however, to obtain milk from healthy cows and
eggs from healthy fowls, that are well fed and well cared for; and the
eggs should be so cooked as to be most easily digested.

Progressive Diet Reform

“The diet reform should be progressive. As disease in animals in-
creases, the use of milk and eggs will become more and more unsafe. An
effort should be made to supply their place with other things that are
and Vitamin B12 19
healthful and inexpensive. The people everywhere should be taught how
to cook without milk and eggs, so far as possible, and yet have their food
wholesome and palatable.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 365, 1905.
There are a number of health reformers today who accept these
counsels as the final word for a proper diet. They point out that it has
been discovered that there are small amounts of vitamin B12 (essential
for the prevention of pernicious anemia and other forms of B12 deficien-
cies) in certain plants, and there are small amounts produced by bacteria
in our mouths and in our colon. Also, some vitamin B12 is produced by
bacteria in the soil, and can be on the leafy plants and the vegetables that
we eat and even in the water we drink. These health reformers believe
that we will indeed have no health problems from the complete elimina-
tion of animal products from the “proper diet.” They feel that all who eat
properly of fruits, grains, nuts and vegetables will never suffer due to the
lack of B12 (previously believed to be available only in animal products).
They say that adoption of the “proper diet” consisting only of “fruits,
grains, nuts and vegetables” demonstrates faith in a “thus saith the Lord,”
and it is an advance step in healthful living.

When Circumstances Demand It

Other health reformers feel that a red flag needs to be raised. This
“advanced step” does not appear to harmonize all of the counsels in
regards to a proper diet. A less stringent approach is again recommended
in the prophet’s final statement regarding a “proper diet.” In 1909 the
following was written:
“While warnings have been given regarding the dangers of disease
through butter, and the evil of the free use of eggs by small children, yet
we should not consider it a violation of principle to use eggs from hens
that are well cared for and suitably fed. Eggs contain properties that are
remedial agencies in counteracting certain poisons.
“Some, in abstaining from milk, eggs, and butter, have failed to
supply the system with proper nourishment, and as a consequence, have
become weak and unable to work. Thus health reform is brought into
disrepute. The work that we have tried to build up solidly is confused
with strange things that God has not required, and the energies of the
church are crippled. But God will interfere to prevent the results of these
too strenuous ideas. The gospel is to harmonize the sinful race. It is to
bring the rich and poor together at the feet of Jesus.
20 The Spirit of Prophecy
“The time will come when we may have to discard some of the
articles of diet we now use, such as milk and cream and eggs; but it is
not necessary to bring upon ourselves perplexity by premature and ex-
treme restrictions. Wait until the circumstances demand it, and the Lord
prepares the way for it.” Ibid., 207–208, 1909.
This points out that “some” (perhaps those “whose blood-making
organs are feeble”) upon eliminating all animal products (“strange things
that God has not required”) become “weak and unable to work” bringing
health reform into “disrepute.” Such “premature, extreme restrictions”
will bring perplexity. We are to “wait until the circumstances demand it,
and the Lord prepares the way for it.”
Such clear counsel needs to be weighed very seriously before adopt-
ing earlier given counsel as the final word. As we have already discussed,
the quotations listing fruits, grains, nuts and vegetables were in the con-
text of eliminating flesh meats, not in the context of eliminating animal
products. To apply counsel for discarding flesh meats to the discarding
of all animal products can only be done safely with great care.

The Issue of Vitamin B12

It has not been fully demonstrated that plants, or bacteria in our
mouth and colon, or drinking water are dependable sources for Vitamin
B12. Certainly it has not been shown true for everyone. We must be con-
cerned that “some,” and especially those whose “blood-making organs
are feeble,” may indeed not get adequate B12 from these sources. One
must remember that vitamin B12 (first isolated in 1948) is stored by the
liver, and a deficiency of that vitamin, with resultant health problems
such as anemia, and permanent nerve damage, may not appear for as
long as ten to twenty years after eliminating an adequate dietary source
of that vitamin. It has long been believed that a deficiency of vitamin B12
will always show up as anemia, and therefore a deficiency can be de-
tected by the relatively easy examination of the blood cells. However, it
has recently been discovered that some patients with serious degenera-
tion of the nerves and nervous system, actually have an inadequate amount
of B12, even though they do not have anemia.4

Two Positions
There are presently two, well-defended opinions among Seventh-
day Adventist health reformers as to whether additional B12 should be
and Vitamin B12 21
taken when all animal products are removed from the diet. Both sides
can show many scientific studies and reports to support their stand.
Whom are we to believe? Let us always turn to the Lord for guidance.
“To the law and to the testimony” should be the deciding factor. Many
are concerned that good, sincere health reformers around 1870 prema-
turely eliminated all animal products and brought discredit to the cause.
See Testimonies, vol. 3, 19–20. Again, around the turn of the century,
dedicated believers prematurely discarded all animal products and they
had to retrace their steps. See Counsels on Diet and Foods, 203–206.
In 1896 Mrs. White wrote from Australia to a physician and his
wife at St. Helena, California. “In California there is an abundance for
the table in the shape of fresh fruit, vegetables, and grains, and there is
no necessity that meat be used.” The Maxson Letters, 63, 1896. An abun-
dance of other foods made it possible to eliminate animal flesh, but of
itself was not reason enough to discard the other animal products. The
eliminating of milk, eggs and cream was not just a matter of having
sufficient fruits, grains, nuts and vegetables to eat. We must take note
that when Ellen White gave her final counsel regarding eliminating all
animal products (Testimonies, vol. 9, 162, 1909), she was herself living
in California where there was a relative abundance of fruits, grains, nuts
and vegetables, and yet by her example and words it was not yet time to
leave off milk, cream and eggs. In speaking of the future need to discard
all animal foods, we should be cautious in interpreting the words “short
time” (Counsels on Diet and Foods, 411, 1898), “not be very long,”
(Ibid., 357, 1899), and “will soon come” (Ibid., 460, 1902) in light of
Christ’s words, “Behold I come quickly.” Revelation 22:17. We must
keep in mind “that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years.” 2 Peter
3:8.

The Lord Preparing the Way?

We must seek earnestly to interpret aright the following phrases—
“The Lord will provide,” “set a table in the wilderness,” “in all parts of
the world provision will be made,” and “the Lord will let us know when.”
(Counsels on Diet and Foods, 359, 1901); “time of trouble beforehand,”
“the Lord prepares the way,” “God will reveal this,” and “work out its
own problem” (Ibid., 206, 1901); and “too strenous ideas,” “perplexity
by premature and extreme restrictions,” “wait until the circumstances
demand it, and the Lord prepares the way for it.” Ibid., 208, 1909. Could
22 The Spirit of Prophecy
it be that the wide availability of economical B12 supplementation fulfills
the above criteria? Could it be that with the worldwide availability of
extra B12 “the question of using milk, and butter and eggs” has indeed
“work[ed] out its own problem”? Certainly there will be those who dis-
agree. Some might feel that only future plagues or atomic radiation con-
tamination of food sources will fulfill certain of the above criteria. How-
ever, it is quite widely agreed that with supplemental B12 one can pres-
ently, and safely eliminate all animal products out of the present diet
without much difficulty in most developed countries.
A recent article in the Ministry magazine presented convincing evi-
dence that the quality of commercially available milk in Mrs. White’s
time was in some ways inferior to our present pasteurized, refrigerated
milk and milk products. Twenty-five percent of all disease outbreaks,
resulting from contaminated water and infected food in the United States
as late as 1938, was due to infected milk. In contrast, less than one per-
cent of food-born disease outbreaks in 1984 was apparently due to the
same cause.
The same article, however, presented some information that should
give us concern. Apparently, a number of viruses are not destroyed by
the pasteurization process, and several of them are known to cause can-
cer in animals.5
It is possible that these and all viruses would be killed if the milk
were actually “sterilized.” “If milk is used, it should be thoroughly ster-
ilized; with this precaution, there is less danger of contracting disease
from its use.” The Ministry of Healing, 302. However, all of us undoubt-
edly already have viruses lying dormant in our tissues just waiting for
our immune system to be weakened enough to let them develop cancer or
some other disease. There is some evidence that animal fat and/or pro-
tein can depress to some degree our immune system. Thus even sterilized
animal products may not be the ideal food, if we have access to a good
variety of vegetarian food. Others have definite concerns regarding hor-
mones, antibiotics and other chemicals which may find their way into
commercially produced animal products.
Admittedly, it has become more and more inconvenient and difficult
to obtain products from animals that we personally know to be cared for
in a healthy manner. For these and perhaps other reasons many today are
eliminating all animal products out of their diets. The majority can appar-
ently do so safely. Some who discard all animal products from their food
and Vitamin B12 23
preparation will avoid trouble by obtaining B12 when eating out, or at
church potlucks, or perhaps from the bacteria in their mouth or colon.
Others “whose blood-making organs are feeble” are in danger of devel-
oping symptoms and illness due to B12 deficiency. Those developing any
symptoms of illness should heed the counsel of 1901, “When you see
that you are becoming weak physically, it is essential for you to make
changes, and at once. Put into your diet something you have left out. It
is your duty to do this.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 204, 1901.
In November 1907, in referring to this counsel, Ellen White clari-
fied that it was not necessary for Dr. Kress to again add meat to his diet,
but only some animal products in order to have a healthful diet. “When
in Australia, Brother Kress, you lay trembling between life and death.
Was the message given me for you, `Return to a diet of flesh meats?’ No,
no. God gave you directions regarding a healthful diet, which if dili-
gently followed, would, mingled with the exercise of faith and prayer,
save your life.” Spalding-Magan’s Unpublished Testimonies, 418.

Vitamin B12 Supplementation

Even better than taking the risk of having to retrace one’s steps, it
would probably be best to prevent any possible problems by taking and
promoting adequate B12 supplementation. The easiest way to prevent prob-
lems is to take a B12 tablet of 50 to 100 micrograms weekly. Most tablets
are stronger than this, and one may have to request that the pharmacist
or food-store operator special order this strength of tablet. Stronger doses
should be avoided unless prescribed by a physician. There is some evi-
dence that excess amounts are associated with an increased risk of can-
cer. It must be noted that if someone developed a deficiency of intrinsic
factor (a substance normally produced by the stomach and essential for
B12 absorption), he would be unable to absorb B12 and would suffer
sooner or later from B12 deficiency regardless of what source they are
getting it in their diet. Such persons would need B12 injections for the rest
of their lifetime, or possibly would have to take an oral supplement of the
deficient intrinsic factor to enable them to absorb the B12 in their diet.
In our searching of the Testimonies let us follow the Biblical princi-
pal of “line upon line, here a little and there a little” in order to harmonize
all of the counsels given. When there are controversial issues, let us
endeavor to base our decisions on an “It is written.” “Those who would
be successful in proclaiming the principles of health reform must make
24 The Spirit of Prophecy
the Word of God their Guide and Counselor. Only as the teachers of
health reform principles do this can they stand on vantage ground.” Tes-
timonies, vol. 9, 162–163. In our personal practices, and when present-
ing this topic to fellow believers, let us not base our actions and words on
one or two choice Spirit of Prophecy statements. Let us acknowledge
and share all of the counsel given, and “leave room for the Holy Spirit to
work” in persons making their own decisions.

If There Is Error
In our example and in our instruction regarding the proper diet, let
us give heed to the following admonitions. “If we should allow the people
as much time as we have required to come up to the present advanced
state in reform, we would be very patient with them, and allow them to
advance step by step, as we have done, until their feet are firmly estab-
lished upon the health reform platform. But we should be very cautious
not to advance too fast, lest we be obliged to retrace our steps. In reforms
we would better come one step short of the mark than to go one step
beyond it. And if there is error at all, let it be on the side next to the
people.” Ibid., vol. 3, 20–21.
“If you take extremely radical positions, you will be obliged to back
down, and then however conscientious you may have been, you have lost
confidence in your own sound judgment, and our brethren and unbeliev-
ers will lose confidence in you. Be sure to go no faster than you have
positive light from God. Take no man’s ideas, but move intelligently in
the fear of the Lord.
“If you err, let it not be in getting as far from the people as possible,
for then you cut the thread of your influence and can do them no good.
Better err on the side of the people than altogether away from them, for
there is hope in that case that you can carry the people with you, but
there is no need of error on either side.
“You need not go into the water, or into the fire, but take the middle
path, avoiding all extremes. Do not let it appear that you are one-sided,
ill-balanced managers.” Counsels on Diet and Foods, 211, 1886.
Let us keep in mind that anytime we are practicing or promoting the
most extreme form of any health belief or practice, we are probably not
in the middle of the path. The matter of a “proper diet” always has lent
itself to all forms of extremes.
“Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.”
Philippians 4:5.
and Vitamin B12 25

1
The Spirit of Prophecy Regarding the Discontinuance of the Use of Dairy Prod-
ucts. Document available from the E.G.W. Estate, 6840 Eastern Ave. NW, Wash-
ington, D.C. 20012.
2
Ibid.
3
Ibid.
4
“Vitamin B12 Around the World” The Journal of Health and Healing, vol. 12,
No. 3; New England Journal of Medicine, 318: 1720, 1738, 1752, 1988.
5
“Milk: Has the Time Come?” Galen C. Bosley, Ministry, February 1989.
26 The Spirit of Prophecy
and Vitamin B12 27

Cheese in the Diet

A
LL OF THE direct statements by Ellen White regarding the
eating of cheese are condemnatory, and it seems reasonable to
conclude that all types of cheese were included. However, there
is evidence that this is not true.
In 1905, Ellen White wrote the following in The Ministry of Heal-
ing, 302:
“Butter is less harmful when eaten on cold bread than when used in
cooking; but, as a rule, it is better to dispense with it altogether. Cheese
is still more objectionable; it is wholly unfit for food.”
When this was translated into the German language, Ellen White
approved the wording to read as “Strong, sharp cheese is still more ob-
jectionable; it is wholly unfit for food.” Counsels on Diet and Foods,
368, 1905 (CD-Rom version).
We conclude that Ellen White’s statements condemning cheese are
in reference to cured or aged cheese. This is in harmony with the report
of Ellen White’s grandaughter that “Cottage cheese was served [at Ellen
White’s home], but not cured cheeses.” Ellen G. White Biography, vol.
6, 395, 1913.
“In regard to cheese, I am now quite sure we have not purchased
or placed on our table cheese for years. We never think of making
cheese an article of diet, much less of buying it. I tell you, Lucretia,
how your buying the cheese at our house looks to us—that you did it to
tempt us just as _______ tempted my husband in his feebleness. You
said you heard Brother White ask Mr. Walling for a taste of cheese. He
had none. You bought a few pounds. You asked him one day if he
wanted some cheese. He said `No.’ You asked me. I said I did not eat it.
The cheese lay in the cupboard untouched until Mr. Lasley and Wall-
ing came to dinner. It was then placed before them. We took a small bit
of cheese, as we do sometimes when it is passed to us. But we do not,
28 The Spirit of Prophecy
understand, buy cheese, or make a practice of eating it. My husband
felt when he saw the bit of cheese that was in Walling’s wagon that he
would like merely a taste of it.” Manuscript Releases, vol. 15, 246,
1873.
The above reference seems to clearly refer to aged or cured cheese
for only that type could have lain on the cupboard for any length of time
without spoiling.
“Some brought cheese to the meeting, and ate it; although new, it
was altogether too strong for the stomach, and should never be intro-
duced into it.” Review and Herald, July 19, 1870.
One can understand the above statement to condemn the cured types
of cheese regardless of how aged they are. “Although new,” the initial
process of curing has already rendered them “too strong for the stom-
ach.”
Thus, the counsel is to not eat the cured or aged types of cheese.
The eating of any fresh, unaged-type cheese such as cottage cheese de-
pends upon how one understands the Lord’s counsels regarding the elimi-
nating of animal products in general.
The general condemnation of the cured types of cheese seems rea-
sonable when we understand that curing is a fermentation, a decompos-
ing, or “putrefactive” process. Each type of cured cheese is the product
of a certain fungus and or bacteria growing in the milk producing new
substances giving the characteristic flavor, odor, and texture of the fin-
ished product. In this process, the protein of the milk, and perhaps also
the fat and sugar, are decomposed into new chemicals. As cured cheese
ages there are increased amounts present of a wide variety of these new
chemicals, many of which are abnormal to our tissues and very likely
harmful. In the unaged cheeses, there is very little if any change in the
original protein, fat, and sugar to produce new chemicals.