The importance of vitamin B12 for individuals choosing plant-based diets
Ali Niklewicz, A. David Smith, Alison Smith, Andre Holzer, A. A. Klein, Andrew McCaddon, Anne M. Molloy, Bruce H. R. Wolffenbuttel, Ebba Nexø, Helene McNulty, Helga Refsum, Jean‐Louis Guéant, Marie‐Joe Dib, Mary Ward, Michelle M. Murphy, Ralph Green, Kourosh R. Ahmadi, Luciana Hannibal, Martin J. Warren, P. Julian Owen, on behalf of CluB-12
Abstract
Abstract Vitamin B 12 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 B 12 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 B 12 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 B 12 deficiency with increased risk to a range of neuro, vascular, immune, and inflammatory disorders. However, the current UK recommended nutrient intake for vitamin B 12 does not adequately consider the vitamin B 12 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 B 12 deficits for those individuals choosing a plant-based diet and the health professionals advising them.