Veganism threatens pregnant women in rich countries with vitamin deficiencies

Vitamin deficiencies in expectant mothers are not only common in economically underdeveloped countries. A new study has shown that the problem is also relevant in high-income countries. And as veganism becomes more fashionable, it may become even more acute.

In a paper published in the journal PLOS Medicine, scientists from the University of Southampton (UK) together with New Zealand and Singaporean researchers assessed the level of vitamins in women before and during pregnancy, as well as observed the impact of vitamin supplements. The experiment involved 1,729 expectant mothers between 18 and 38 years old from the three countries mentioned - the UK, Singapore and New Zealand.

In more than 90% of the subjects medics found low levels of such important substances for health as vitamins B12, B6 and D, folic acid and riboflavin. They are present in meat and dairy products and are necessary for the full development of the fetus in the womb.

One month of supplementation reduced the levels of vitamin deficiency markers in the participants' plasma compared to women in the control group who took the standard supplement.

"Our study found that almost every woman who tried to conceive was deficient in one or more vitamins. This figure will only get worse as the world shifts increasingly towards a plant-based diet," said the study's lead author, Professor of Epidemiology Keith Godfrey of the University of Southampton.

According to the scientist, striving for a zero-carbon footprint and the rejection of milk and meat for these reasons is likely to lead to further depletion of vital nutrients in the bodies of future mothers, which is fraught with long-term consequences for their children.

Complementing the British expert, another co-author - Professor of Pediatric Endocrinology Wayne Cutfield of the University of Auckland - emphasized that the condition of the mother before conception and during pregnancy directly affects the child's health, physical development and ability to learn throughout life.

Eco-activists have been pushing the idea of reducing animal protein consumption as a way to reduce individual contributions to accelerating global warming. Such calls can sometimes be heard at the government level as well. For example, in 2021, then-UK Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said that spreading veganism should help the country meet its emissions reduction targets.

However, medical experts have warned that mindlessly switching to this kind of diet leads to a decrease in the intake of micronutrients necessary for the intrauterine formation of the baby. If the fashion for veganism continues, the problem of vitamin deficiency in economically developed countries will grow. The researchers conclude that women can make a difference by taking more vitamin supplements and receiving special nutritional advice.