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Wolffia globosa-Mankai Plant-Based Protein Contains Bioactive Vitamin B12 and Is Well Absorbed in Humans
Ilan Sela1, Anat Yaskolka Meir2, Alexander Brandis3
1Research and Development Department, Hinoman Ltd., Rishon Lezion 7546302, Israel.
Nutrients
|October 14, 2020
Summary
Mankai (Wolffia globosa) contains bioactive vitamin B12 compounds, offering a potential plant-based food source. Daily consumption in a green Mediterranean diet significantly increased serum B12 levels in a clinical trial.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Plant Biology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Rare plants contain corrinoid compounds, potentially interfering with vitamin B12 (cobalamin) metabolism.
- Wolffia globosa (Mankai) is an aquatic plant investigated for its B12 content and metabolic pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the presence and forms of vitamin B12 in Mankai.
- To predict functional B12 metabolic pathways in Mankai using bioreactors.
- To assess the impact of Mankai consumption on serum B12 levels.
Main Methods:
- Microbiological assay, LC-MS/MS, and anoxic bioreactors were used to analyze B12 in Mankai.
- A 18-month weight-loss trial (DIRECT-PLUS) evaluated serum B12 changes in participants consuming Mankai as part of a green Mediterranean diet.
Main Results:
- Mankai contained multiple bioactive cobalamin congeners, with consistent levels across seasons.
- B12 metabolism-associated microbial genes were more abundant in bioreactors with Mankai.
- Serum B12 levels increased significantly (15.4%) in the group consuming Mankai-enriched diets.
Conclusions:
- Mankai is a source of bioactive vitamin B12 compounds.
- Mankai has the potential to be a valuable plant-based food source for vitamin B12.
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