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Vitamin B-12 from algae appears not to be bioavailable.
P C Dagnelie1, W A van Staveren, H van den Berg
1Department of Human Nutrition, Wageningen Agricultural University, The Netherlands.
The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition
|March 1, 1991
Summary
Algae and plant foods do not reliably improve vitamin B-12 levels in deficient children, despite absorption. Supplementation or fish is more effective for improving hematological status.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Hematology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Vitamin B-12 deficiency is a concern, particularly in children.
- Plant-based diets are sometimes promoted as sources of vitamin B-12.
- The bioavailability of vitamin B-12 from plant sources is debated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of algae (nori, spirulina) and fermented plant foods on vitamin B-12 status in deficient children.
- To compare the efficacy of plant-based vitamin B-12 sources with fish and supplements.
Main Methods:
- Children with vitamin B-12 deficiency were divided into groups.
- Intervention groups received either algae/fermented plant foods, fish, or vitamin B-12 supplements.
- Hematological parameters, including plasma vitamin B-12 and mean corpuscular volume (MCV), were monitored.
Main Results:
- Plasma vitamin B-12 increased in children consuming plant foods, indicating absorption.
- Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) deteriorated further in the plant food group.
- MCV improved in children receiving fish or vitamin B-12 supplements.
Conclusions:
- Algae and fermented plant foods appear to be unreliable sources of bioavailable vitamin B-12 for deficient children.
- Vitamin B-12 bioavailability from these plant sources is questionable.
- Further research into vitamin B-12 assay specificity is needed.