Abstract
Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient that is not made by plants; consequently, unfortified plant-based foods are not a reliable supply. Recent estimates suggest high rates of vitamin B12 deficiency among the vegetarian and vegan populations, particularly in pregnant women or women of child-bearing age who, for ethical and health reasons, are shifting towards higher consumption of plant-based foods in ever-increasing numbers. Vitamin B12 plays crucial metabolic roles across the life-course and in particular during pregnancy and in early development (first 1000 days of life). Evidence now implicates vitamin B12 deficiency with increased risk to a range of neuro, vascular, immune, and inflammatory disorders. However, the current UK recommended nutrient intake for vitamin B12 does not adequately consider the vitamin B12 deficit for those choosing a plant-based diet, including vegetarianism and in particular veganism, representing a hidden hunger. We provide a cautionary note on the importance of preventing vitamin B12 deficits for those individuals choosing a plant-based diet and the health professionals advising them.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 1551-1559 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | European Journal of Nutrition |
Volume | 62 |
Issue number | 3 |
DOIs |
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Publication status | Published - Apr 2023 |
Keywords
- Dietary recommendations
- Planetary health
- Plant-based diets
- Pregnancy
- Public health
- Vegetarian and vegan populations
- Vitamin B12
- Women of child-bearing age