Are organisms like yeast acidophilus and algae (i.e. Spirulina) vegan?!


Question: From what I understand spirulina is a plant like organism that also can move around much like bacteria. When it comes to yeast and acidophilus, etc, it can actually be consumed and live in symbiotic relationship to humans so it could be argued that this organisms are not being killed. Spirulina however is cooked to break open the cellular structure for easier digestion so there could be no argument of symbiotic relation. It is straight out consumption.


Answers: From what I understand spirulina is a plant like organism that also can move around much like bacteria. When it comes to yeast and acidophilus, etc, it can actually be consumed and live in symbiotic relationship to humans so it could be argued that this organisms are not being killed. Spirulina however is cooked to break open the cellular structure for easier digestion so there could be no argument of symbiotic relation. It is straight out consumption.

Yes they are vegan, because they are not animals nor an animal product, which are generally something vegans avoid. They (algae, yeast) have no brains, no nervous systems, can't experience pain, are not even genetically or cellularly anywhere close to being an animal. No animals are exploited to get yeast or algae. No contest. Are they something a fruitarian (who does not believe in killing plants to get food from them) eat? Probably not, but that's a different diet and lifestyle and not really related to veganism.

yeast is a fungi and algae is a plant-like eukaryotic organisms

Vegans do not eat, use, wear or otherwise consume animals or animal products. This is not an arbitrary choice; we believe that members of the animal kingdom are capable of experiencing pain and suffering and we seek to not inflict those things on sentient beings. Yes, plants, fungi and bacteria are living things, but vegans do not avoid any of them because they are not sentient and cannot experience suffering.

I believe acidophilus comes from milk doesn't it? That would make it non vegan.

Why would it matter if yeast and acidophilus are killed?!?!?

Are either of those animals?

No, so it has nothing to do with veganism.

Only animals can suffer, no other forms of life are conscious.

It all depends on how they are processed. Some spirulina products (like Earthrise) use animal nitrates to expediate the growing process making it decidely NOT vegan. Other products (like xSpirulina) use plant nitrates to expedite the growing process earning the seal-of-approval from vegan organizations.

If your goal is not to harm any organisms your going to find it a tough process to be vegan. Our bodies consume and convert organisms as it needs to.





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