What is the cobalamin status among vegetarians and vegans in Australia?

Abstract

Water-soluble vitamin B₁₂ (cobalamin) plays a vital role in normal blood function and neurological functioning. Clinical and subclinical B₁₂ deficiency has been notably reported in vegans, vegetarians, the elderly and metformin-treated diabetics. Currently, the prevalence of cobalamin deficiency among vegans and vegetarians in Australia is lacking; data on dietary intake including supplements and nutritional status are also limited. The increasing multiculturalism of Australia has seen an influx of imported foods, of which some may contain considerable vitamin B₁₂. However, values for such foods are not included in the food composition databases. This review highlights the need to update the food composition database with culturally diverse foods containing vitamin B₁₂. Moreover, the need for assessing dietary intakes and status using the most current best evidence and best practice on nutritional indicators (biochemical and functional biomarkers) to estimate the risk of deficiency and/or depletion is discussed.

Keywords:

• Cobalamin
• vitamin B₁₂
• vegetarians
• vegans
• nutritional status
• Australia

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.