The importance of vitamin B12 for individuals choosing plant-based diets

Ali Niklewicz, A. David Smith, Alison Smith, Andre Holzer, Andrew Klein, Andrew McCaddon, Anne M. Molloy, Bruce H.R. Wolffenbuttel, Ebba Nexo, Helene McNulty, Helga Refsum, Jean-Louis Gueant, Marie-Joe Dib, Mary Ward, Michelle Murphy, Ralph Green, Kourosh R. Ahmadi, Luciana Hannibal, Martin J. Warren, P. Julian Owenon behalf of CluB-12

Research output: Contribution to journalComment/debatepeer-review

46 Citations (Scopus)

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 languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1551-1559
Number of pages9
JournalEuropean Journal of Nutrition
Volume62
Issue number3
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2023

Keywords

  • Dietary recommendations
  • Planetary health
  • Plant-based diets
  • Pregnancy
  • Public health
  • Vegetarian and vegan populations
  • Vitamin B12
  • Women of child-bearing age

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