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Adequate vitamin B12 and folate status of Norwegian vegans and vegetarians.
- Source :
- British Journal of Nutrition; 6/28/2023, Vol. 129 Issue 12, p2076-2083, 8p
- Publication Year :
- 2023
-
Abstract
- Plant-based diets may increase the risk of vitamin B<subscript>12</subscript> deficiency due to limited intake of animal-source foods, while dietary folate increases when adhering to plant-based diets. In this cross-sectional study, we evaluated the B<subscript>12</subscript> and folate status of Norwegian vegans and vegetarians using dietary B<subscript>12</subscript> intake, B<subscript>12</subscript> and folic acid supplement use, and biomarkers (serum B<subscript>12</subscript> (B<subscript>12</subscript>), plasma total homocysteine (tHcy), plasma methylmalonic acid (MMA) and serum folate). Vegans (n 115) and vegetarians (n 90) completed a 24-h dietary recall and a FFQ and provided a non-fasting blood sample. cB<subscript>12</subscript>, a combined indicator for evaluation of B<subscript>12</subscript> status, was calculated. B<subscript>12</subscript> status was adequate in both vegans and vegetarians according to the cB<subscript>12</subscript> indicator; however 4 % had elevated B<subscript>12</subscript>. Serum B<subscript>12</subscript>, tHcy, MMA concentrations and the cB<subscript>12</subscript> indicator (overall median: 357 pmol/l, 9·0 µmol/l, 0·18 µmol/l, 1·30 (cB<subscript>12</subscript>)) did not differ between vegans and vegetarians, unlike for folate (vegans: 25·8 nmol/l, vegetarians: 21·6 nmol/l, P = 0·027). Serum B<subscript>12</subscript> concentration < 221 pmol/l was found in 14 % of all participants. Vegetarians revealed the highest proportion of participants below the recommended daily intake of 2 µg/d including supplements (40 v. 18 %, P < 0·001). Predictors of higher serum B<subscript>12</subscript> concentrations were average daily supplement use and older age. Folate deficiency (< 10 nmol/l) was uncommon overall (< 2·5 %). The combined indicator cB<subscript>12</subscript> suggested that none of the participants was B<subscript>12</subscript>-depleted; however, low serum B<subscript>12</subscript> concentration was found in 14 % of the participants. Folate concentrations were adequate, indicating adequate folate intake in Norwegian vegans and vegetarians. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 00071145
- Volume :
- 129
- Issue :
- 12
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- British Journal of Nutrition
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 163826550
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114522002987