Vitamin B12 fortification of food and drink:A market opportunity for consumers of plant-based diets

摘要

Vitamin B12 occurs naturally in foods of animal origin such as dairy, meat, fish and eggs. Vegans (and, to a lesser extent, consumers on other stricter plant-based diets) are at risk of deficiency of certain micronutrients, most notably vitamin B12. Vegans are therefore a good target market for fortified foods and supplements. Indeed, the UK's Vegan Society states that the only reliable vegan sources of vitamin B12 are foods fortified with B12 (including some plant milks, some soy products and some breakfast cereals) and B12 supplements. On their website, the Vegan Society state that most vegans consume enough B12 to avoid anaemia and nervous system damage, but many do not get enough to minimise the potential risk of heart disease or pregnancy complications.