Collaborative Research Provides a New Source of Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is an essential part of our diet, which is traditionally obtained from animal sources such as meat, eggs and dairy products.  Deficiency of this vitamin can lead to damage to the brain and nervous system, and a broad range of other health problems

Globally there are widespread deficiencies in Vitamin B12, despite its presence in many dietary sources.  One reason for this is the adoption of plant-based diets, which reduces or eliminates the consumption of animal-derived products containing B12.

Tablet supplements are only effective when consumed with food, as this leads to production of B12 uptake proteins within gastric juices. An alternative approach to tablets is the fortification of food products, that can be consumed as part of a nutritious diet.

Our Research

Working with LettUs Grow and collaborators at the Quadram Institute, we have developed new approaches for the effective low-cost fortification of pea shoots (tender microgreens from pea plants) with the Recommended Daily Allowance of Vitamin B12.

Using ultrasonic aeroponic technology, water and nutrients for plant growth are dispersed into a mist that is used to feed and water the crop.  Supplementing this mist with vitamin B12 allows us to biofortify the pea shoots.

Our approach means that a standard salad bag can contain as much Vitamin B12 as two portions of beef. This will provide an alternative to supplements for those who find it difficult to obtain B12 from their diet, for example vegans and vegetarians.

We have used simulated digestion assays, which demonstrate that B12 within the fortified salad is accessible to human digestion.

Commercialising Vitamin B12 Biofortified Pea Shoots

The combined expertise on the Norwich Research Park in plant physiology, food science and agri-tech commercialisation has made this possible.

Commercialisation of Vitamin B12 fortified pea shoots is being led by the John Innes Centre Knowledge Exchange and Commercialisation team, working with LettUs Grow, a company that designs aeroponic irrigation systems, control technology and software for indoor farms, alongside a grower.

The grower began cultivation of the pea shoots for sale to hospitality and retailers, and it is anticipated that pea shoots fortified with Vitamin B12 will be available commercially soon.

This research has received support from the BBSRC’s Follow on Fund and Flexible Talent Mobility Account.