Year: 2022
Type: article
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.
Source: European Journal of Nutrition
Authors: 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 Owen, on behalf of CluB-12
Institutions: University of Surrey, University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, Royal Papworth Hospital, Wrexham University, Trinity College Dublin, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Aarhus University Hospital, University of Ulster, University of Oslo, Inserm, Centre Hospitalier Régional et Universitaire de Nancy, Nutrition-Génétique et Exposition aux Risques Environnementaux, Université de Lorraine, Imperial College London, Institut de Recerca Biomèdica Catalunya Sud, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, University of California, Davis, University of Freiburg, University Medical Center Freiburg, Norwich Research Park, Quadram Institute, Addenbrooke's Hospital
Language: English
Subfield: Rheumatology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $3,990
OpenAlex ID: W4310710106