According to a new British study, certain plants could absorb the vitamin B12 which is sorely lacking in Vegan, giving them the food intake they really need.
This is good news for our Vegan friends. While this diet, excluding any product of animal origin, is at the heart of many controversies regarding its food intake, researchers have just discovered plants that could provide the crucial vitamin that followers of veganism lack. Indeed, according to a study carried out by the University of Kent (United Kingdom) and published in the medical journal Cell Chemical Biology thursday 17 may, the vitamin B12, which you may know as “cobalamin”, possibly taken up by certain plants.
To reach this conclusion, Professor Martin Warren’s team used the Student Biology Project at Sir Roger Manwood’s School. While the sixth and fifth grades had cultivated a garden in which vitamin B12 molecules had been planted for a week, the scientists tore up, washed and analyzed the leaves. Result: the plants had absorbed the vitamin.
Treat parasitic infections
Such a discovery could cure dietary deficiencies in predominantly vegetarian countries like India, the study argues. And, as the consumption of meat is increasingly problematic due to global warming and the increase in the world population, allow us to offer a healthy alternative, note the researchers.
In addition, over time, this research could help fight certain parasitic infections. Indeed, during its work, Martin Warren’s team was also able to study the way in which worms absorbed B12 molecules. The latter using an absorption system different from mammals, scientists could use this discovery to try to treat hookworms, for example (parasitic worms that live in humans or certain domestic animals responsible for anemia).
For those who have never heard of vitamin B12, it is essential for the proper functioning of the body. Indeed, it plays a role of synthesis or modification at the level of red blood cells, proteins, fatty acids, bone, neuronal and DNA. But, unfortunately for Vegans, plants and mushrooms do not contain it. Because it is only present in the bacterial and animal kingdom.
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