July/August 2004
HEALTH BYTES

Vegetarians may have B-12 deficiency

      A German study has found that some vegetarians may have a vitamin B-12 deficiency which may increase homocysteine concentrations. High blood levels of homocysteine can make blood clot more easily and may increase the risk of heart disease. The study included 66 lactovegetarians (people who include milk products in their diets) or lactoovovegetarians (people who include milk and eggs), 29 vegans (people who eat no animal products), and 79 omnivores. Of the three groups, the vegans had the lowest vitamin B-12 status. Additionally, elevated homocysteine levels were present in 16 percent of the omnivores, 38 percent of the lacto- and lactoovovegetarians group, and 67 percent of the vegans.

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