Related Experiment Videos
Vitamin B-12 status in a macrobiotic community
D R Miller1, B L Specker, M L Ho
1Department of Medicine, University of Massachusetts Medical Center, Worcester.
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|February 1, 1991
Summary
Macrobiotic diets are linked to poor vitamin B-12 status in adults and children. Low vitamin B-12 levels and high methylmalonic acid (MMA) were observed, with children showing impaired growth. Dairy and animal product consumption improved vitamin B-12 status.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Human Health
- Dietary Studies
Background:
- Macrobiotic diets, while plant-focused, may pose risks for certain nutrient deficiencies.
- Vitamin B-12 is crucial for neurological function and red blood cell formation, primarily found in animal products.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess vitamin B-12 status in individuals following a macrobiotic diet.
- To investigate the relationship between diet, vitamin B-12 levels, and health indicators in a macrobiotic community.
Main Methods:
- Assessed serum vitamin B-12 concentrations and urinary methylmalonic acid (MMA) levels in 110 adults and 42 children.
- Collected dietary, anthropometric (stature, weight), and lifestyle data.
- Analyzed correlations between diet, vitamin B-12 status, MMA levels, and growth parameters.
Main Results:
- 51% of adults and 55% of children exhibited low vitamin B-12 status or elevated MMA.
- Low serum vitamin B-12 correlated with longer adherence to the macrobiotic diet.
- Children with high MMA showed reduced stature and weight; higher dairy/animal product intake improved vitamin B-12 status.
Conclusions:
- Macrobiotic diets are associated with a high prevalence of vitamin B-12 deficiency.
- Vitamin B-12 status is negatively impacted by long-term macrobiotic diet adherence.
- Increased consumption of dairy and animal products may mitigate vitamin B-12 deficiency in macrobiotic populations.