Beware of choline deficiency: a risk for those following a vegan diet

Research by a British nutritionist reveals the dangers of Choline deficiency, known as vitamin J, for those who follow a vegan diet.

Research by a British nutritionist reveals the dangers of Choline deficiency, known as vitamin J, for those who follow a vegan diet.

The vegan diet is still popular, even if more and more nutritionists and doctors disagree. In fact, the human body definitely needs some substances to stay in shape and healthy. One of these is Choline, better known as vitamin J, particularly present in animal-derived foods like meat, fish and eggs.

The British nutritionist Emma Derbyshire has made her voice heard in an article published in the BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health journal. Choline deficiency is linked to a risk of Alzheimers and so-called Huntington’s disease.

Choline, the vitamin necessary for our wellbeing

Over the years, many people have decided to follow a vegan diet. Some for environmental reasons, some for love and respect for animals and the natural ecosystem. But is it really a benefit for human beings or the product of intense confusion triggered by the world of nutrition and health?

British nutritionist Emma has responded to these questions. In the article published in the BMJ Nutrition, Prevention & Health journal, she reveals something very interesting.

Unfortunately, vegans are deficient in a vitamin necessary for our body’s basic needs. This is Choline, or vitamin J, particularly present in beef but also chicken, fish, eggs and dairy. This substance is essential for our nervous system and other things to function correctly. It’s involved in the health of our brain and a lack of it increases the risk of neurodegenerative illnesses like Alzheimers.

According to the National Institute of Health, the recommended doses are around 550 milligrams for men and 425 for women. Vegan foods like cauliflower, broccoli and walnuts have it in quantities that are too low for our basic needs. Hence the need to revisit our culinary choices by following a nutritionist and by avoiding extreme behaviours that can be dangerous.