Vitamin B12 in Vegetarian Diets

Abstract

Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient required for the synthesis of all blood cells, proper functioning of the nervous system, DNA synthesis, and a variety of other biological functions. Vitamin B12 deficiency or insufficiency is high in vegetarians regardless of the type of vegetarian diet they consume, with the highest rates of deficiency found in vegans.

Homocysteine Status of Elderly Slum Women in Delhi

“…A recent study carried out in China among 330 study volunteers also reported folate and Vitamin B 12 deficiency as well as MTHFR C677T polymorphism were significantly associated with elevated serum homocysteine levels [21]. Higher prevalence of hyperhomocysteinemia has been reported among vegetarians mainly due to Vitamin B 12 deficiency [22]. A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies involving 3230 volunteers revealed that homocysteine levels are elevated at low serum Vitamin B 12 levels [23].…”