The Safety of TheVegan Diet During Pregnancy

2021 ◽  
Vol 75 ◽  
pp. 1-20
Author(s):  
Miłosz Miedziaszczyk ◽  
Patrycja Ciabach ◽  
Edmund Grześkowiak ◽  
Edyta Szałek
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Gestational Diabetes ◽  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Vitamin B12 Deficiency ◽  
Normal Function ◽  
Vegan Diet ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Animal Food ◽  
Clinical Consequences

There is an increasing number of people who go vegetarian. Some young parents also switch to this diet. The safety of vegetarian diets, especially ve-gan diets, is very important, especially during pregnancy. Unfortunately, reference publications do not provide coherent data on the safety of vegetar-ian diets during pregnancy. On the one hand, the vegan diet has advantages because it reduces the risk of heart disease and gestational diabetes. On the other hand, vegetarians/vegans should be aware of potential deficiencies of some nutrients (iron, zinc, vitamin B12, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, cal-cium, iodine) and the clinical consequences for the foetus. For example, iron deficiency may affect cognitive abilities, behaviour, intelligence and increase the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight of infants. Plant food contains non-haem iron with variable absorption. Therefore, the vegan diet should include nutrients increasing the bioavailability of iron, e.g. ascorbic acid, carotene and retinol. Due to the fact that animal food is the main source of vitamin B12, vegans are at very high risk of vitamin B12 deficiency, which will affect the infant’s weight at birth. Low level of vitamin D, which is prevalent in animal food, is the most common deficiency among vegans and lacto-ovo vegetarians. This vitamin prevents gestational diabetes, reduces insulin resistance and guarantees normal function of the musculoskeletal system. Zinc deficiency during pregnancy may lead to preterm birth, neural tube defects or even miscarriage. In view of the clinical consequences of po-tential deficiencies of nutrients, the vegetarian/vegan diet should be well balanced.

scholarly journals The Safety of a Vegan Diet During Pregnancy

2021 ◽  
Vol 75 ◽  
pp. 417-425
Author(s):  
Miłosz Miedziaszczyk ◽  
Patrycja Ciabach ◽  
Edmund Grześkowiak ◽  
Edyta Szałek
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Gestational Diabetes ◽  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Normal Function ◽  
Vegan Diet ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
Animal Food ◽  
Clinical Consequences ◽  
Vegetarian Diets

There is an increasing number of people who go vegetarian. Some young parents also switch to this diet. The safety of vegetarian diets, especially vegan diets, is very important, especially during pregnancy. Unfortunately, reference publications do not provide coherent data on the safety of vegetarian diets during pregnancy. On the one hand, the vegan diet has advantages because it reduces the risk of heart disease and gestational diabetes. On the other hand, vegetarians/vegans should be aware of potential deficiencies of some nutrients (iron, zinc, vitamin B12, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, iodine) and the clinical consequences for the fetus. For example, iron deficiency may affect cognitive abilities, behavior, intelligence and increase the risk of preterm birth and low birth weight of infants. Plant food contains non-haem iron with variable absorption. Therefore, the vegan diet should include nutrients increasing the bioavailability of iron, e.g. ascorbic acid, carotene and retinol. Due to the fact that animal food is the main source of vitamin B12, vegans are at a very high risk of vitamin B12 deficiency, which will affect the infant’s weight at birth. Low level of vitamin D, which is prevalent in animal food, is the most common deficiency among vegans and lacto-ovo vegetarians. This vitamin prevents gestational diabetes, reduces insulin resistance and guarantees normal function of the musculoskeletal system. Zinc deficiency during pregnancy may lead to preterm birth, neural tube defects or even miscarriage. In view of the clinical consequences of potential deficiencies of nutrients, the vegetarian/vegan diet should be well balanced.

scholarly journals Placing a Well-Designed Vegan Diet for Slovenes

Nutrients ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (12) ◽  
pp. 4545
Author(s):  
Boštjan Jakše
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Healthy Lifestyle ◽  
Scientific Evidence ◽  
Adult Population ◽  
Scientific Data ◽  
Vegan Diet ◽  
Omega 3 ◽  
New Findings ◽  
Calcium Iron

Interest in vegan diets has increased globally as well as in Slovenia. The quantity of new scientific data requires a thorough synthesis of new findings and considerations about the current reserved position of the vegan diet in Slovenia. There is frequently confusion about the benefits of vegetarian diets that are often uncritically passed on to vegan diets and vice versa. This narrative review aims to serve as a framework for a well-designed vegan diet. We present advice on how to maximize the benefits and minimize the risks associated with the vegan diet and lifestyle. We highlight the proper terminology, present the health effects of a vegan diet and emphasize the nutrients of concern. In addition, we provide guidance for implementing a well-designed vegan diet in daily life. We conducted a PubMed search, up to November 2021, for studies on key nutrients (proteins, vitamin B12, vitamin D, omega-3 long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA)), calcium, iron, zinc, iodine and selenium) in vegan diets. Given the limited amount of scientific evidence, we focus primarily on the general adult population. A well-designed vegan diet that includes a wide variety of plant foods and supplementation of vitamin B12, vitamin D in the winter months and potentially EPA/DHA is safe and nutritionally adequate. It has the potential to maintain and/or to improve health. For physically active adult populations, athletes or individuals with fast-paced lifestyles, there is room for further appropriate supplementation of a conventional vegan diet according to individuals’ health status, needs and goals without compromising their health. A healthy vegan lifestyle, as included in government guidelines for a healthy lifestyle, includes regular physical activity, avoidance of smoking, restriction of alcohol and appropriate sleep hygiene.

scholarly journals The prevalence of low serum levels of Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, folate and ferritin in adolescents: Single center experience

2021 ◽  
Vol 104 (2) ◽  
pp. 003685042110076
Author(s):  
Nazmi Mutlu Karakaş
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Medical Records ◽  
Vitamin B12 Deficiency ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Folate Deficiency ◽  
Well Child Care ◽  
Single Center Experience ◽  
B12 Deficiency ◽  
Prevalence Of Anemia

Background: In this study, the aim was to evaluate the prevalence of vitamin D, vitamin B12, ferritin, and folate deficiencies in adolescence to clarify the need for early diagnosis and therapy. Methods: The medical records of adolescents between 10 and 18 years of age between 01 September 2018 and 28 February 2019 as healthy with non-specific complaints, or due to well-child care visits, were analyzed retrospectively. Results: A total of 1847/2507 (73.6%) adolescents were included in the study. The prevalence of vitamin D deficiency was 25.7% (n: 178/691). Vitamin B12 deficiency prevalence was 69.2% (n: 753/1088). The prevalence of anemia and ferritin deficiency was 4.8% and 13.26%. The prevalence of folate deficiency was 37.9% (n: 413/1088). VDD prevalence was statistically significantly higher in females than males (F/M:116/62). VB12D prevalence, the number and mean age of females with hemoglobin deficiency, and low ferritin levels was found to be statistically significantly higher in females than males. Conclusions: The prevalence of vitamin D, vitamin B12, folate deficiency and low ferritin levels was found to be high among adolescents. In particular, adolescents admitting with non-specific complaints and for control purposes in big cities must be considered to be at risk for the deficiency of these vitamins and low level of ferritin.

Frequency of Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Pregnant Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 (10) ◽  
pp. 2753-2755
Author(s):  
Shazia Jamil ◽  
Naveed Mahmood ◽  
Israr-ul- Haque ◽  
Rabiah Haque ◽  
Muhammad Imran-ul-Hasan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Gestational Diabetes ◽  
Gestational Diabetes Mellitus ◽  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Vitamin B12 Deficiency ◽  
Group I ◽  
B12 Deficiency ◽  
Vitamin B 12 ◽  
Group Ii

Objective: To determine the prevalence of vitamin B-12 deficiency in pregnant women with gestational diabetes mellitus. Study Design: Retrospective study Place and Duration of Study: Department of Medicine, OMC Hospital, Jail Road Lahore from January, 2020 to December, 2020. Methods: Two hundred and thirty pregnant females were enrolled age between 18-45 years. Detailed demographics of enrolled cases age, gestational age, gravidity and body mass index were recorded after taking informed written consent. Among 230 cases, 100 women were non GDM (group I) and 130 had gestational diabetes mellitus (group II). Blood samples were taken from all the patients for measuring vitamin B12 status. Vitamin B12 was defined as <300 pg/ml. Results: Mean age of the patients in group I was 31.64±7.45 years with mean BMI 25.88±8.65 kg/m2 while mean age among GDM group was 34.55±5.71 years with mean BMI 27.36±9.44 kg/m2. Mean gestational age in group I was 33.72±4.21 weeks and in group II 35.08±9.27 weeks. In group I 20 (20%) had vitamin B12 deficiency and in group II rate ofvitamin B12 deficiency was high among 90 (69.2%) cases. We found a significantly relation between vitamin B12 and GDM with p value <0.0007. Conclusion: The prevalence of vitamin B-12 deficiency among pregnant women of gestational diabetes mellitus was significantly high as compared to normal pregnant women. Keywords: Pregnant Women, Gestational Diabetes Mellitus, Vitamin B12 deficiency

RELATIONSHIP OF MATERNAL VITAMIN B12 STATUS IN PREGNANCY WITH PRETERM BIRTH AND MATERNAL HEALTH RISKS

2020 ◽  
pp. 32-38
Author(s):  
VICTORIA LAZAROVA SPASOVA ◽  
LILIA IVANOVA KOLEVA ◽  
MARIETA ANTONOVA POPOVA ◽  
VALENTINA BOYANOVA PETKOVA ◽  
MILEN VENTZISLAVOV DIMITROV
Keyword(s):  
Preterm Birth ◽  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Pregnant Women ◽  
Serum Vitamin ◽  
Vitamin B12 Deficiency ◽  
Inverse Association ◽  
Maternal Vitamin ◽  
B12 Deficiency ◽  
The Impact ◽  
In Pregnancy

Vitamin B12 is known to be vital for cell growth and population during pregnancy. This retrospective and prospective case−control study was aimed to disclose a health risk for pregnant women with vitamin B12 deficiency, as well as the one of the preterm birth. The main tasks set and performed in this research were as follows: to compare the obstetrics anamnesis between the women who gave birth on term and women who gave birth before term; to find the prevalence of vitamin B12 insufficiency in pregnancy; to determine its association with preterm birth and low birth weight; to examine its association with spontaneous abortions, and to investigate its relationship with obesity and hemoglobin levels in pregnant women. The conducted investigation involved 107 women who gave birth before the 37th week of gestation and 101 women who gave birth after the 37th week of gestation at the outpatient clinic of the University Hospital "Maichin Dom" in Bulgaria. Our study revealed a correlation between maternal vitamin B12 deficiency, overweight and low hemoglobin level. Our results showed no significant correlation between serum vitamin B12 level and the risk of preterm birth. However, we found an inverse association between vitamin B12 level and overweight before pregnancy and at the time of giving birth. As well there was confirmed the strong connection between meat consumption and vitamin B12 level. The paper emphasizes that the deficiency of the vitamin occurs most likely in the women with inadequate diets. Such a deficiency is actually confirmed to have serious health consequences for pregnant women and their offspring. Therefore further profound and numerous studies should be performed to properly assess the correlation between vitamin B12 and preterm birth, as well as to understand better the impact of vitamin B12 over pregnant women. Key words: vitamin B12, preterm birth, pregnancy, overweight, hemoglobin.

scholarly journals Prevalence of Vitamin D and Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Patients reporting to the West Bank governmental hospitals in the period between January 2015 and December 2018

2021 ◽  
Vol 01 (1) ◽  
pp. 16-23
Author(s):  
Dina Bitar
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Vitamin D Deficiency ◽  
Elderly Women ◽  
West Bank ◽  
Vitamin B12 Deficiency ◽  
Risk Groups ◽  
The West ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Vitamin D Levels

Vitamin D and vitamin B12 deficiencies are major public health problems; they may result from inappropriate low exposure to sunlight, autoimmune diseases or diminished intake. These two deficiencies have been extensively studied globally: causes, e"ects, treatment, as well as epidemiology. In Palestine the epidemiology of vitamin D and vitamin B12 deficiencies has not been addressed. This study was undertaken to determine the prevalence of vitamin D and vitamin B12 deficiencies in patients reporting to the West Bank (WB) governmental hospitals in the period between January 2015 and December 2018. It is a retrospective cross-sectional study for the data collected from medical records of patients tested for these deficiencies in 12 WB governmental hospitals for the three years period. Out of 30890 patients tested for vitamin D levels, 88% had insu!cient vitamin D levels (< 30 ng/ml), whereas out of 43532 patients tested for vitamin B12, 19% had insu!cient vitamin B12 levels (< 203 pg/ml). The percentage of patients with insu!cient vitamin D levels is alarming. The percentage of patients with insu!cient vitamin B12 levels falls within ranges reported by other studies in various countries. In conclusion, this study revealed an alarmingly high percentage (88%) of vitamin D deficiency below the reference su!ciency level among patients suspected to have such a deficiency. Around one fifth of the patients tested for vitamin B12 had insu!cient levels. Because testing for vitamin D is costly, we suggest, that medical suspicion of vitamin D deficiency would be adequate to initiate treatment to alleviate the expense, especially in high-risk groups such as elderly women. Future studies have to address major risk factors contributing to these deficiencies that are specific to our community.

scholarly journals A Preventable Cause of Hypotonia in Infants: Case Report of Two Infants with Vitamin B12 Deficiency

2021 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 48-51
Author(s):  
Akhrif M ◽  
Saghir S ◽  
Kmari M ◽  
Ourrai A ◽  
Hassani A ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Vitamin B12 Deficiency ◽  
Vegan Diet ◽  
Cortical Atrophy ◽  
Neurological Damage ◽  
Delay In Diagnosis ◽  
Raising Awareness ◽  
B12 Deficiency ◽  
High Level

Introduction: Innate deficits in the metabolism or transport of vitamin B12 are exceptional. The main cause of vitamin B12 deficiency in infants is secondary to maternal deficiency. Maternal deficiency can have a vegan diet, low socio-economic level (developing countries) and a high level of development with a poor diet) or digestive pathologies responsible for a lack of absorption. The clinical signs are not very specific (developmental delay, pallor, hypotonia, vomiting and diarrhoea), which explains the frequent delay in diagnosis. The pathophysiology of the neurological damage, which is still uncertain, is thought to be secondary to a defect in myelination with altered nerve conduction and cortical atrophy. The aim of this work is to underline the importance of raising awareness of vitamin B12 deficiency in order to avoid its profound neurological repercussions, especially as substitution treatment allows an improvement or a reversibility of the neurological damage and raises the question of the possibility of screening new-borns. Materials and Methods: We report the case of two infants aged 6 months and 10 months with hypotonia and psychomotor regression from an early age, whose biological examination revealed pancytopenia with a collapsed vitamin B12 level in both infants and both mothers.

scholarly journals 019Tilt Table Test Outcome in the Diagnosis and Prevalence of Syncope in Patients with Vitamin D and Vitamin B12 Deficiency

2017 ◽  
Vol 46 (Suppl_3) ◽  
pp. iii13-iii59 ◽  
Author(s):  
Muhammad Ghaznain ◽  
Teresa Mary Donnelly ◽  
Louise Halpenny
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin D ◽  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Vitamin B12 Deficiency ◽  
B12 Deficiency

scholarly journals OVERCOMING VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY IN VEGAN DIET

2014 ◽  
Vol 04 (01) ◽  
pp. 104-105
Author(s):  
Prassanna Baby ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Higher Plants ◽  
Vitamin B12 Deficiency ◽  
Vegan Diet ◽  
Vitamin B ◽  
Daily Diet ◽  
B12 Deficiency ◽  
Vitamin B 12 ◽  
Micro Organisms ◽  
Dietary Deficiency

Abstract:Vitamin B12 is a crystalline compound essential to a number of micro-organisms and animals, including humans. So far as is known it is not present in higher plants. Pure vegetarian food is nearly free from vit. B12. It is a nutrient that needs attention in vegan diet. Vegetarians are at risk for vitamin B(12) (B12) deficiency due to suboptimal intake. Dietary deficiency of vitamin B12 due to vegetarianism is increasing and causes hyperhomocysteinemia Areas for research include intermittent vitamin B12 supplement dosing and better measurements of the bioavailability of B12 in fermented vegetarian foods and algae. The goal of the present literature review was to create an awareness among the vegans to identify the vegetarian sources of Vitamin B12 and to incorporate them into their daily diet.

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