From uk.sports.yahoo.com/news
Experts say algae may be the secret to replacing a key vitamin missing from plant-based diets.
Scientists at Cambridge University discovered many types of algae accumulate high levels of B12, an essential micronutrient, found in meat, fish and dairy, which is essential for our blood and cell nerve manufacture.
B12 deficiency is common among vegans, with over 6.5% testing low, which can lead to muscle weakness, fatigue, nausea and weight loss. Over time, it can increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes, as well as an autoimmune disorder called pernicious anaemia.
With around 1.4 million vegans in the UK (around 2.5% of the population), that’s 91,000 people with low levels of B12 — a lot of B12 deficiency.
Vegan diets supply only a fraction of B12 required — about 0.5 micrograms per day, according to the European Journal of Nutrition, which is far below the RDA of 2.4 micrograms, especially for pregnant, breastfeeding or older people.
Nori, seaweed used in Japanese cuisine, has until now thought to be the most suitable plant-based alternative. Though various algaes contain B12, they aren't recommended for humans — and can even inhibit B12 absorption.
Like nori, the researchers found algae doesn’t make the B12 itself but it’s found in bacteria that it collects from its surroundings. Though it doesn’t use land space that could be used for crops, the harvesting is currently energy intensive.
The team, lead by Professor Alison Smith, established which varieties had B12 that worked in humans. Here's hoping for a roll-out of B12-boosting supplements in the not too distant future.
https://uk.sports.yahoo.com/news/vegan-diet-needs-algae-according-140000029.html
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