Guest guest Posted March 3, 2009 Report Share Posted March 3, 2009 Another scaremongering report in the papers. I note that in the report there is no mention of vegan diet! I'm hoping we all know that we need to get vitamin B12 through supplements and/or fortified foods. Jo Vegan diet increases the risk of birth defects, scientists warn Women who are strict vegetarians or vegans may be a greater risk of having a child with birth defects because they are likely to be deficient in vitamin B12, researchers warned. By Rebecca Smith, Medical Editor Last Updated: 7:28AM GMT 02 Mar 2009 Vitamin B12 and folic acid supplements are advised Photo: Alamy Research carried out in Ireland has found that women with low levels of B12, found in meat, eggs and milk, when they conceive are at greater risk of having a child with neural tube defects. These conditions include spina bifida, which causes partial paralysis, and anencephaly where the brain does not develop and is normally fatal shortly after birth. Women who may become pregnant or who are pregnant are advised to take folic acid supplements because it is known that the vitamin folate protects against these defects and it has been suggested that taking vitamin B12 may reduce the risk further. A team from the National Institutes of Health, Trinity College Dublin, and the Health Research Board of Ireland found women with low levels of B12 were 2.5 to three times more likely to have a child with a neural tube defect while those classed as deficient in B12 were five times more likely to have a child with a defect. The study is published in the journal Paediatrics. Dr Duane Alexander, director of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, in Maryland, America, who took part in the research said: "Vitamin B12 is essential for the functioning of the nervous system and for the production of red blood cells. "The results of this study suggest that women with low levels of B12 not only may risk health problems of their own, but also may increase the chance that their children may be born with a serious birth defect." Blood taken from one group of 160 women who were pregnant with a child that had a neural tube defect at the time the sample was taken was compared to women who had previously had a child with a neural tube defect but whose current pregnancy was unaffected. The researchers adjusted for folate levels in order to evaluate the effect of B12 levels independently of folic acid. It is not known how deficiency in B12 and folate increases the risk of neural tube defects but the vitamins are involved in several biochemical reactions in the body. Dr James Mills, senior investigator in the Division of Epidemiology, Statistics, and Prevention Research, in America and co-author said that critical events in the formation of the brain and spinal column occur very early in pregnancy–in the first 28 days after conception–before many women even realise they are pregnant. "If women wait until they realise that they are pregnant before they start taking folic acid, it is usually too late," he said. In America all women of childbearing age are recommended to consume 400 micrograms of folic acid each day to ensure they have sufficient levels if they fall pregnant unintentionally. Dr Mills said it would be wise for women to do the same with B12. "Our results offer evidence that women who have adequate B12 levels before they become pregnant may further reduce the occurrence of this class of birth defects," Dr. Mills said. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 4, 2009 Report Share Posted March 4, 2009 You know. Just because this article pissed me off I thought I would post this Well-planned vegetarian, vegan diets beneficial for pregnant mums Washington, Mar 3 : Expectant mothers should have well-planned vegetarian and vegan diets for healthful pregnancies, say experts. According to the American Dietetic Association, " well-planned vegan and other types of vegetarian diets are appropriate for all stages of the life cycle, including during pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, and adolescence. " While vitamin B12 deficiency may increase the risk for neural tube defects, experts from Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) suggest that requirements can be met with fortified foods or any common multivitamin. from http://www.newkerala.com/topstory-fullnews-103496.html See? People can try and prove whatever they want. I wouldn't be surprised to find out that these people who say the diet is bad are somehow employed by the meat and dairy industry. Bill-in Utah , " jo.heartwork " <jo.heartwork wrote: > > Another scaremongering report in the papers. I note that in the report there is no mention of vegan diet! I'm hoping we all know that we need to get vitamin B12 through supplements and/or fortified foods. > > Jo > > Vegan diet increases the risk of birth defects, scientists warn > Women who are strict vegetarians or vegans may be a greater risk of having a child with birth defects because they are likely to be deficient in vitamin B12, researchers warned. > > By Rebecca Smith, Medical Editor > Last Updated: 7:28AM GMT 02 Mar 2009 > > Vitamin B12 and folic acid supplements are advised Photo: Alamy > Research carried out in Ireland has found that women with low levels of B12, found in meat, eggs and milk, when they conceive are at greater risk of having a child with neural tube defects. > > These conditions include spina bifida, which causes partial paralysis, and anencephaly where the brain does not develop and is normally fatal shortly after birth. > > Women who may become pregnant or who are pregnant are advised to take folic acid supplements because it is known that the vitamin folate protects against these defects and it has been suggested that taking vitamin B12 may reduce the risk further. > > A team from the National Institutes of Health, Trinity College Dublin, and the Health Research Board of Ireland found women with low levels of B12 were 2.5 to three times more likely to have a child with a neural tube defect while those classed as deficient in B12 were five times more likely to have a child with a defect. > > The study is published in the journal Paediatrics. > > Dr Duane Alexander, director of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, in Maryland, America, who took part in the research said: " Vitamin B12 is essential for the functioning of the nervous system and for the production of red blood cells. > > " The results of this study suggest that women with low levels of B12 not only may risk health problems of their own, but also may increase the chance that their children may be born with a serious birth defect. " > > Blood taken from one group of 160 women who were pregnant with a child that had a neural tube defect at the time the sample was taken was compared to women who had previously had a child with a neural tube defect but whose current pregnancy was unaffected. > > The researchers adjusted for folate levels in order to evaluate the effect of B12 levels independently of folic acid. > > It is not known how deficiency in B12 and folate increases the risk of neural tube defects but the vitamins are involved in several biochemical reactions in the body. > > Dr James Mills, senior investigator in the Division of Epidemiology, Statistics, and Prevention Research, in America and co-author said that critical events in the formation of the brain and spinal column occur very early in pregnancy-in the first 28 days after conception-before many women even realise they are pregnant. > > " If women wait until they realise that they are pregnant before they start taking folic acid, it is usually too late, " he said. > > In America all women of childbearing age are recommended to consume 400 micrograms of folic acid each day to ensure they have sufficient levels if they fall pregnant unintentionally. > > Dr Mills said it would be wise for women to do the same with B12. > > " Our results offer evidence that women who have adequate B12 levels before they become pregnant may further reduce the occurrence of this class of birth defects, " Dr. Mills said. > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 4, 2009 Report Share Posted March 4, 2009 Oh, I think it's simpler than that. People who are not vegans don't understand (or want to understand) plant-based nutrition, or even food-based nutrition. They think it's all about what vitamins are lacking, what's a protein, what's a carb -- which may well be what was taught in schools or what's emphasized in popular health books and articles. (Though what's taught and emphasized certainly is influenced by the meat/egg/dairy lobbies!) I hear these points of view all the time from otherwise well-educated people. I find it mindboggling that they're worried about getting enough protein, or about their kids drinking enough milk, or about getting " complete " protein if they happen to miss their meat fix for a meal. I think the meat-dairy " nutrition " marketing that infests schools (in the U.S.) is very effective in selling its products to each new generation of consumers. It really is a form of brainwashing, and it scares and confuses people about food for the rest of their lives, unless (like us) they somehow manage to learn about real food and vegan nutrition. I know that when I decided to go veg (decades before the internet!), although I was interested in eating vegetarian and liked plant foods more than animal foods, it still took me several months to find good information and persuade myself that it was " safe " to eat this way. It was sort of like deprogramming, getting past all the indoctrination about what food was, and the experience made me question everything I'd been told about everything else as well. It was relatively easy for me to do because I could easily resist peer pressure and figure things out for myself, and I didn't care that I was different from everyone else. At 7:40 AM +0000 3/4/09, heartwerk wrote: >I wasn't agreeing with the report I posted, just annoyed that the >headline said 'Vegans .....' when in the report there was no mention >of vegans. The newspapers here seem to want to report badly on the >vegan diet - and I do think it is because of the meat and dairy >industries, and the influence of their top people. > >Anyone with any commonsense would know that the vegan diet is fine. >IMO all diets need balancing. > >Jo > > , " shinobibombay " <shinobibombay wrote: >> >> You know. Just because this article pissed me off I thought I >>would post this >> Well-planned vegetarian, vegan diets beneficial for pregnant mums >> >> Washington, Mar 3 : Expectant mothers should have well-planned >>vegetarian and vegan diets for healthful pregnancies, say experts. >> >> According to the American Dietetic Association, " well-planned >>vegan and other types of vegetarian diets are appropriate for all >>stages of the life cycle, including during pregnancy, lactation, >>infancy, childhood, and adolescence. " >> >> While vitamin B12 deficiency may increase the risk for neural tube >>defects, experts from Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine >>(PCRM) suggest that requirements can be met with fortified foods or >>any common multivitamin. >> >> from http://www.newkerala.com/topstory-fullnews-103496.html >> >> See? People can try and prove whatever they want. I wouldn't be >>surprised to find out that these people who say the diet is bad are >>somehow employed by the meat and dairy industry. >> >> Bill-in Utah >> >> , " jo.heartwork " <jo.heartwork@> wrote: >> > >> > Another scaremongering report in the papers. I note that in the >>report there is no mention of vegan diet! I'm hoping we all know >>that we need to get vitamin B12 through supplements and/or >>fortified foods. >> > >> > Jo >> > >> > Vegan diet increases the risk of birth defects, scientists warn >> > Women who are strict vegetarians or vegans may be a greater risk >>of having a child with birth defects because they are likely to be >>deficient in vitamin B12, researchers warned. >> > >> > By Rebecca Smith, Medical Editor >> > Last Updated: 7:28AM GMT 02 Mar 2009 >> > >> > Vitamin B12 and folic acid supplements are advised Photo: Alamy >> > Research carried out in Ireland has found that women with low >>levels of B12, found in meat, eggs and milk, when they conceive are >>at greater risk of having a child with neural tube defects. >> > >> > These conditions include spina bifida, which causes partial >>paralysis, and anencephaly where the brain does not develop and is >>normally fatal shortly after birth. >> > >> > Women who may become pregnant or who are pregnant are advised to >>take folic acid supplements because it is known that the vitamin >>folate protects against these defects and it has been suggested >>that taking vitamin B12 may reduce the risk further. >> > >> > A team from the National Institutes of Health, Trinity College >>Dublin, and the Health Research Board of Ireland found women with >>low levels of B12 were 2.5 to three times more likely to have a >>child with a neural tube defect while those classed as deficient in >>B12 were five times more likely to have a child with a defect. >> > >> > The study is published in the journal Paediatrics. >> > >> > Dr Duane Alexander, director of the National Institute of Child >>Health and Human Development, in Maryland, America, who took part >>in the research said: " Vitamin B12 is essential for the functioning >>of the nervous system and for the production of red blood cells. >> > >> > " The results of this study suggest that women with low levels of >>B12 not only may risk health problems of their own, but also may >>increase the chance that their children may be born with a serious >>birth defect. " >> > >> > Blood taken from one group of 160 women who were pregnant with a >>child that had a neural tube defect at the time the sample was >>taken was compared to women who had previously had a child with a >>neural tube defect but whose current pregnancy was unaffected. >> > >> > The researchers adjusted for folate levels in order to evaluate >>the effect of B12 levels independently of folic acid. >> > >> > It is not known how deficiency in B12 and folate increases the >>risk of neural tube defects but the vitamins are involved in >>several biochemical reactions in the body. >> > >> > Dr James Mills, senior investigator in the Division of >>Epidemiology, Statistics, and Prevention Research, in America and >>co-author said that critical events in the formation of the brain >>and spinal column occur very early in pregnancy-in the first 28 >>days after conception-before many women even realise they are >>pregnant. >> > >> > " If women wait until they realise that they are pregnant before >>they start taking folic acid, it is usually too late, " he said. >> > >> > In America all women of childbearing age are recommended to >>consume 400 micrograms of folic acid each day to ensure they have >>sufficient levels if they fall pregnant unintentionally. >> > >> > Dr Mills said it would be wise for women to do the same with B12. >> > >> > " Our results offer evidence that women who have adequate B12 >>levels before they become pregnant may further reduce the >>occurrence of this class of birth defects, " Dr. Mills said. >> > >> > > > > >--- > >To send an email to >-! 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Guest guest Posted March 4, 2009 Report Share Posted March 4, 2009 I wasn't agreeing with the report I posted, just annoyed that the headline said 'Vegans .....' when in the report there was no mention of vegans. The newspapers here seem to want to report badly on the vegan diet - and I do think it is because of the meat and dairy industries, and the influence of their top people. Anyone with any commonsense would know that the vegan diet is fine. IMO all diets need balancing. Jo , " shinobibombay " <shinobibombay wrote: > > You know. Just because this article pissed me off I thought I would post this > Well-planned vegetarian, vegan diets beneficial for pregnant mums > > Washington, Mar 3 : Expectant mothers should have well-planned vegetarian and vegan diets for healthful pregnancies, say experts. > > According to the American Dietetic Association, " well-planned vegan and other types of vegetarian diets are appropriate for all stages of the life cycle, including during pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, and adolescence. " > > While vitamin B12 deficiency may increase the risk for neural tube defects, experts from Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) suggest that requirements can be met with fortified foods or any common multivitamin. > > from http://www.newkerala.com/topstory-fullnews-103496.html > > See? People can try and prove whatever they want. I wouldn't be surprised to find out that these people who say the diet is bad are somehow employed by the meat and dairy industry. > > Bill-in Utah > > , " jo.heartwork " <jo.heartwork@> wrote: > > > > Another scaremongering report in the papers. I note that in the report there is no mention of vegan diet! I'm hoping we all know that we need to get vitamin B12 through supplements and/or fortified foods. > > > > Jo > > > > Vegan diet increases the risk of birth defects, scientists warn > > Women who are strict vegetarians or vegans may be a greater risk of having a child with birth defects because they are likely to be deficient in vitamin B12, researchers warned. > > > > By Rebecca Smith, Medical Editor > > Last Updated: 7:28AM GMT 02 Mar 2009 > > > > Vitamin B12 and folic acid supplements are advised Photo: Alamy > > Research carried out in Ireland has found that women with low levels of B12, found in meat, eggs and milk, when they conceive are at greater risk of having a child with neural tube defects. > > > > These conditions include spina bifida, which causes partial paralysis, and anencephaly where the brain does not develop and is normally fatal shortly after birth. > > > > Women who may become pregnant or who are pregnant are advised to take folic acid supplements because it is known that the vitamin folate protects against these defects and it has been suggested that taking vitamin B12 may reduce the risk further. > > > > A team from the National Institutes of Health, Trinity College Dublin, and the Health Research Board of Ireland found women with low levels of B12 were 2.5 to three times more likely to have a child with a neural tube defect while those classed as deficient in B12 were five times more likely to have a child with a defect. > > > > The study is published in the journal Paediatrics. > > > > Dr Duane Alexander, director of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, in Maryland, America, who took part in the research said: " Vitamin B12 is essential for the functioning of the nervous system and for the production of red blood cells. > > > > " The results of this study suggest that women with low levels of B12 not only may risk health problems of their own, but also may increase the chance that their children may be born with a serious birth defect. " > > > > Blood taken from one group of 160 women who were pregnant with a child that had a neural tube defect at the time the sample was taken was compared to women who had previously had a child with a neural tube defect but whose current pregnancy was unaffected. > > > > The researchers adjusted for folate levels in order to evaluate the effect of B12 levels independently of folic acid. > > > > It is not known how deficiency in B12 and folate increases the risk of neural tube defects but the vitamins are involved in several biochemical reactions in the body. > > > > Dr James Mills, senior investigator in the Division of Epidemiology, Statistics, and Prevention Research, in America and co-author said that critical events in the formation of the brain and spinal column occur very early in pregnancy-in the first 28 days after conception-before many women even realise they are pregnant. > > > > " If women wait until they realise that they are pregnant before they start taking folic acid, it is usually too late, " he said. > > > > In America all women of childbearing age are recommended to consume 400 micrograms of folic acid each day to ensure they have sufficient levels if they fall pregnant unintentionally. > > > > Dr Mills said it would be wise for women to do the same with B12. > > > > " Our results offer evidence that women who have adequate B12 levels before they become pregnant may further reduce the occurrence of this class of birth defects, " Dr. Mills said. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 4, 2009 Report Share Posted March 4, 2009 Hi Jo Which newspaper was it from - I'd quite like to write a letter of complaint to them about the fact that they're misrepresenting what the scientific report says. BB Peter - " heartwerk " <jo.heartwork Wednesday, March 04, 2009 7:40 AM Re: B12 and birth defects >I wasn't agreeing with the report I posted, just annoyed that the headline >said 'Vegans .....' when in the report there was no mention of vegans. The >newspapers here seem to want to report badly on the vegan diet - and I do >think it is because of the meat and dairy industries, and the influence of >their top people. > > Anyone with any commonsense would know that the vegan diet is fine. IMO > all diets need balancing. > > Jo > > , " shinobibombay " <shinobibombay > wrote: >> >> You know. Just because this article pissed me off I thought I would post >> this >> Well-planned vegetarian, vegan diets beneficial for pregnant mums >> >> Washington, Mar 3 : Expectant mothers should have well-planned vegetarian >> and vegan diets for healthful pregnancies, say experts. >> >> According to the American Dietetic Association, " well-planned vegan and >> other types of vegetarian diets are appropriate for all stages of the >> life cycle, including during pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, >> and adolescence. " >> >> While vitamin B12 deficiency may increase the risk for neural tube >> defects, experts from Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine >> (PCRM) suggest that requirements can be met with fortified foods or any >> common multivitamin. >> >> from http://www.newkerala.com/topstory-fullnews-103496.html >> >> See? People can try and prove whatever they want. I wouldn't be surprised >> to find out that these people who say the diet is bad are somehow >> employed by the meat and dairy industry. >> >> Bill-in Utah >> >> , " jo.heartwork " <jo.heartwork@> wrote: >> > >> > Another scaremongering report in the papers. I note that in the report >> > there is no mention of vegan diet! I'm hoping we all know that we need >> > to get vitamin B12 through supplements and/or fortified foods. >> > >> > Jo >> > >> > Vegan diet increases the risk of birth defects, scientists warn >> > Women who are strict vegetarians or vegans may be a greater risk of >> > having a child with birth defects because they are likely to be >> > deficient in vitamin B12, researchers warned. >> > >> > By Rebecca Smith, Medical Editor >> > Last Updated: 7:28AM GMT 02 Mar 2009 >> > >> > Vitamin B12 and folic acid supplements are advised Photo: Alamy >> > Research carried out in Ireland has found that women with low levels of >> > B12, found in meat, eggs and milk, when they conceive are at greater >> > risk of having a child with neural tube defects. >> > >> > These conditions include spina bifida, which causes partial paralysis, >> > and anencephaly where the brain does not develop and is normally fatal >> > shortly after birth. >> > >> > Women who may become pregnant or who are pregnant are advised to take >> > folic acid supplements because it is known that the vitamin folate >> > protects against these defects and it has been suggested that taking >> > vitamin B12 may reduce the risk further. >> > >> > A team from the National Institutes of Health, Trinity College Dublin, >> > and the Health Research Board of Ireland found women with low levels of >> > B12 were 2.5 to three times more likely to have a child with a neural >> > tube defect while those classed as deficient in B12 were five times >> > more likely to have a child with a defect. >> > >> > The study is published in the journal Paediatrics. >> > >> > Dr Duane Alexander, director of the National Institute of Child Health >> > and Human Development, in Maryland, America, who took part in the >> > research said: " Vitamin B12 is essential for the functioning of the >> > nervous system and for the production of red blood cells. >> > >> > " The results of this study suggest that women with low levels of B12 >> > not only may risk health problems of their own, but also may increase >> > the chance that their children may be born with a serious birth >> > defect. " >> > >> > Blood taken from one group of 160 women who were pregnant with a child >> > that had a neural tube defect at the time the sample was taken was >> > compared to women who had previously had a child with a neural tube >> > defect but whose current pregnancy was unaffected. >> > >> > The researchers adjusted for folate levels in order to evaluate the >> > effect of B12 levels independently of folic acid. >> > >> > It is not known how deficiency in B12 and folate increases the risk of >> > neural tube defects but the vitamins are involved in several >> > biochemical reactions in the body. >> > >> > Dr James Mills, senior investigator in the Division of Epidemiology, >> > Statistics, and Prevention Research, in America and co-author said that >> > critical events in the formation of the brain and spinal column occur >> > very early in pregnancy-in the first 28 days after conception-before >> > many women even realise they are pregnant. >> > >> > " If women wait until they realise that they are pregnant before they >> > start taking folic acid, it is usually too late, " he said. >> > >> > In America all women of childbearing age are recommended to consume 400 >> > micrograms of folic acid each day to ensure they have sufficient levels >> > if they fall pregnant unintentionally. >> > >> > Dr Mills said it would be wise for women to do the same with B12. >> > >> > " Our results offer evidence that women who have adequate B12 levels >> > before they become pregnant may further reduce the occurrence of this >> > class of birth defects, " Dr. Mills said. >> > >> > > > > > --- > > To send an email to > -! 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Guest guest Posted March 4, 2009 Report Share Posted March 4, 2009 Its about time the media reported all the harm done from carnivorous diets instead of giving bad reports on vegan ones. Maybe they dont want people to be healthy. Vicky , " shinobibombay " <shinobibombay wrote: > > You know. Just because this article pissed me off I thought I would post this > Well-planned vegetarian, vegan diets beneficial for pregnant mums > > Washington, Mar 3 : Expectant mothers should have well-planned vegetarian and vegan diets for healthful pregnancies, say experts. > > According to the American Dietetic Association, " well-planned vegan and other types of vegetarian diets are appropriate for all stages of the life cycle, including during pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, and adolescence. " > > While vitamin B12 deficiency may increase the risk for neural tube defects, experts from Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) suggest that requirements can be met with fortified foods or any common multivitamin. > > from http://www.newkerala.com/topstory-fullnews-103496.html > > See? People can try and prove whatever they want. I wouldn't be surprised to find out that these people who say the diet is bad are somehow employed by the meat and dairy industry. > > Bill-in Utah > > , " jo.heartwork " <jo.heartwork@> wrote: > > > > Another scaremongering report in the papers. I note that in the report there is no mention of vegan diet! I'm hoping we all know that we need to get vitamin B12 through supplements and/or fortified foods. > > > > Jo > > > > Vegan diet increases the risk of birth defects, scientists warn > > Women who are strict vegetarians or vegans may be a greater risk of having a child with birth defects because they are likely to be deficient in vitamin B12, researchers warned. > > > > By Rebecca Smith, Medical Editor > > Last Updated: 7:28AM GMT 02 Mar 2009 > > > > Vitamin B12 and folic acid supplements are advised Photo: Alamy > > Research carried out in Ireland has found that women with low levels of B12, found in meat, eggs and milk, when they conceive are at greater risk of having a child with neural tube defects. > > > > These conditions include spina bifida, which causes partial paralysis, and anencephaly where the brain does not develop and is normally fatal shortly after birth. > > > > Women who may become pregnant or who are pregnant are advised to take folic acid supplements because it is known that the vitamin folate protects against these defects and it has been suggested that taking vitamin B12 may reduce the risk further. > > > > A team from the National Institutes of Health, Trinity College Dublin, and the Health Research Board of Ireland found women with low levels of B12 were 2.5 to three times more likely to have a child with a neural tube defect while those classed as deficient in B12 were five times more likely to have a child with a defect. > > > > The study is published in the journal Paediatrics. > > > > Dr Duane Alexander, director of the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, in Maryland, America, who took part in the research said: " Vitamin B12 is essential for the functioning of the nervous system and for the production of red blood cells. > > > > " The results of this study suggest that women with low levels of B12 not only may risk health problems of their own, but also may increase the chance that their children may be born with a serious birth defect. " > > > > Blood taken from one group of 160 women who were pregnant with a child that had a neural tube defect at the time the sample was taken was compared to women who had previously had a child with a neural tube defect but whose current pregnancy was unaffected. > > > > The researchers adjusted for folate levels in order to evaluate the effect of B12 levels independently of folic acid. > > > > It is not known how deficiency in B12 and folate increases the risk of neural tube defects but the vitamins are involved in several biochemical reactions in the body. > > > > Dr James Mills, senior investigator in the Division of Epidemiology, Statistics, and Prevention Research, in America and co-author said that critical events in the formation of the brain and spinal column occur very early in pregnancy-in the first 28 days after conception-before many women even realise they are pregnant. > > > > " If women wait until they realise that they are pregnant before they start taking folic acid, it is usually too late, " he said. > > > > In America all women of childbearing age are recommended to consume 400 micrograms of folic acid each day to ensure they have sufficient levels if they fall pregnant unintentionally. > > > > Dr Mills said it would be wise for women to do the same with B12. > > > > " Our results offer evidence that women who have adequate B12 levels before they become pregnant may further reduce the occurrence of this class of birth defects, " Dr. Mills said. > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 4, 2009 Report Share Posted March 4, 2009 Hi Peter It was on the Daily Telegraph site (Rebecca Smith - Health Editor). In their own heading they mentioned vegans and vegetarians, but in the body of the article there was no mention of them. I notice the research they are quoting (Anne M. Molloy, Peadar N. Kirke, James F. Troendle, Helen Burke, Marie Sutton, Lawrence C. Brody, John M. Scott, and James L. Mills) was from 1993 and from what I can see of that there is also no mention of vegetarians or vegans, just the facts about Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid (folate) on neural tube defects in babies,as below: " " Maternal plasma folate and vitamin B12 are independent risk factors for neural tube defects P. N. KIRKE1,2, A. M. MOLLOY3, L. E. DALY2, H. BURKE1, D. C. WEIR3 and J. M. SCOTT4, 1From the Health Research Board Dublin 2Department of Public Health Medicine and Epidemiology, University College Dublin 3Department of Clinical Medicine, Trinity College Dublin 4Department of Biochemistry, Trinity College Dublin Address correspondence to Professor John M. Scott, Dept, of Biochemistry, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland. Received 26 July 1993 Accepted for publication 8 September 1993. Blood was taken at the first antenatal clinic from 56049 pregnant women. Neural tube defect (NTD) pregnancies (81) were compared to controls (247) for plasma vitamin B12 (B12) (ng/l), plasma folate (µg/1), and red cell folate (RCF) (µg/l). Median values were significantly different and were, respectively, 243 and 296 (p = 0.001); 3.47 and 4.59 (p = 0.002); and 269 and 338 (p < 0.001). There was a significant correlation between plasma B12 and RCF in cases (r = 0.31, p = 0.004) but not in controls (r = 0.02, p = 0.725). In cases only, multiple regression showed that both plasma B12 and plasma folate influenced the maternal RCF (multiple r = 0.68, p < 0.001). Plasma folate and plasma B12 were independent risk factors for NTDs, suggesting that the enzyme methionine synthase is involved directly or indirectly in the aetiology. The levels of folate and B12 where increased risk occurred were not those usually associated with deficiency, calling for a re-evaluation of their recommended daily allowances. Whether the aetiology is purely nutritional or a metabolic defect, this study suggests that consideration should be given to including B12 as well as folic acid in any programme of supplementation or food fortification to prevent NTDs. " " I wonder why they need to report research that was done in 1993 - 15 years ago - and why they feel the need to refer it to vegans/vegetarians. I imagine that the vast majority of vegans know about the need for Vitamin B12 supplementation or the eating of fortified foods - it is recommended on the Vegan Society website, and in many modern books on vegan diet. I might also write about it. BB Jo , " Peter " <metalscarab wrote: > > Hi Jo > > Which newspaper was it from - I'd quite like to write a letter of complaint > to them about the fact that they're misrepresenting what the scientific > report says. > > BB > Peter > > - > " heartwerk " <jo.heartwork > > Wednesday, March 04, 2009 7:40 AM > Re: B12 and birth defects > > > >I wasn't agreeing with the report I posted, just annoyed that the headline > >said 'Vegans .....' when in the report there was no mention of vegans. The > >newspapers here seem to want to report badly on the vegan diet - and I do > >think it is because of the meat and dairy industries, and the influence of > >their top people. > > > > Anyone with any commonsense would know that the vegan diet is fine. IMO > > all diets need balancing. > > > > Jo > > > > , " shinobibombay " <shinobibombay@> > > wrote: > >> > >> You know. Just because this article pissed me off I thought I would post > >> this > >> Well-planned vegetarian, vegan diets beneficial for pregnant mums > >> > >> Washington, Mar 3 : Expectant mothers should have well-planned vegetarian > >> and vegan diets for healthful pregnancies, say experts. > >> > >> According to the American Dietetic Association, " well-planned vegan and > >> other types of vegetarian diets are appropriate for all stages of the > >> life cycle, including during pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, > >> and adolescence. " > >> > >> While vitamin B12 deficiency may increase the risk for neural tube > >> defects, experts from Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine > >> (PCRM) suggest that requirements can be met with fortified foods or any > >> common multivitamin. > >> > >> from http://www.newkerala.com/topstory-fullnews-103496.html > >> > >> See? People can try and prove whatever they want. I wouldn't be surprised > >> to find out that these people who say the diet is bad are somehow > >> employed by the meat and dairy industry. > >> > >> Bill-in Utah > >> > >> , " jo.heartwork " <jo.heartwork@> wrote: > >> > > >> > Another scaremongering report in the papers. I note that in the report > >> > there is no mention of vegan diet! I'm hoping we all know that we need > >> > to get vitamin B12 through supplements and/or fortified foods. > >> > > >> > Jo > >> > > >> > Vegan diet increases the risk of birth defects, scientists warn > >> > Women who are strict vegetarians or vegans may be a greater risk of > >> > having a child with birth defects because they are likely to be > >> > deficient in vitamin B12, researchers warned. > >> > > >> > By Rebecca Smith, Medical Editor > >> > Last Updated: 7:28AM GMT 02 Mar 2009 > >> > > >> > Vitamin B12 and folic acid supplements are advised Photo: Alamy > >> > Research carried out in Ireland has found that women with low levels of > >> > B12, found in meat, eggs and milk, when they conceive are at greater > >> > risk of having a child with neural tube defects. > >> > > >> > These conditions include spina bifida, which causes partial paralysis, > >> > and anencephaly where the brain does not develop and is normally fatal > >> > shortly after birth. > >> > > >> > Women who may become pregnant or who are pregnant are advised to take > >> > folic acid supplements because it is known that the vitamin folate > >> > protects against these defects and it has been suggested that taking > >> > vitamin B12 may reduce the risk further. > >> > > >> > A team from the National Institutes of Health, Trinity College Dublin, > >> > and the Health Research Board of Ireland found women with low levels of > >> > B12 were 2.5 to three times more likely to have a child with a neural > >> > tube defect while those classed as deficient in B12 were five times > >> > more likely to have a child with a defect. > >> > > >> > The study is published in the journal Paediatrics. > >> > > >> > Dr Duane Alexander, director of the National Institute of Child Health > >> > and Human Development, in Maryland, America, who took part in the > >> > research said: " Vitamin B12 is essential for the functioning of the > >> > nervous system and for the production of red blood cells. > >> > > >> > " The results of this study suggest that women with low levels of B12 > >> > not only may risk health problems of their own, but also may increase > >> > the chance that their children may be born with a serious birth > >> > defect. " > >> > > >> > Blood taken from one group of 160 women who were pregnant with a child > >> > that had a neural tube defect at the time the sample was taken was > >> > compared to women who had previously had a child with a neural tube > >> > defect but whose current pregnancy was unaffected. > >> > > >> > The researchers adjusted for folate levels in order to evaluate the > >> > effect of B12 levels independently of folic acid. > >> > > >> > It is not known how deficiency in B12 and folate increases the risk of > >> > neural tube defects but the vitamins are involved in several > >> > biochemical reactions in the body. > >> > > >> > Dr James Mills, senior investigator in the Division of Epidemiology, > >> > Statistics, and Prevention Research, in America and co-author said that > >> > critical events in the formation of the brain and spinal column occur > >> > very early in pregnancy-in the first 28 days after conception-before > >> > many women even realise they are pregnant. > >> > > >> > " If women wait until they realise that they are pregnant before they > >> > start taking folic acid, it is usually too late, " he said. > >> > > >> > In America all women of childbearing age are recommended to consume 400 > >> > micrograms of folic acid each day to ensure they have sufficient levels > >> > if they fall pregnant unintentionally. > >> > > >> > Dr Mills said it would be wise for women to do the same with B12. > >> > > >> > " Our results offer evidence that women who have adequate B12 levels > >> > before they become pregnant may further reduce the occurrence of this > >> > class of birth defects, " Dr. Mills said. > >> > > >> > > > > > > > > > > --- > > > > To send an email to > > -! 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Guest guest Posted March 4, 2009 Report Share Posted March 4, 2009 Hi JoThanks - an e-mail of complaint has gone to the Telegraph asking them why they feel it necessary to report news that is 15 years old, and pointing out that their headline was a misrepresentation of the report which made no reference to vegans. It will be interesting to see their response! BBPeter2009/3/4 heartwerk <jo.heartwork Hi Peter It was on the Daily Telegraph site (Rebecca Smith - Health Editor). In their own heading they mentioned vegans and vegetarians, but in the body of the article there was no mention of them. I notice the research they are quoting (Anne M. Molloy, Peadar N. Kirke, James F. Troendle, Helen Burke, Marie Sutton, Lawrence C. Brody, John M. Scott, and James L. Mills) was from 1993 and from what I can see of that there is also no mention of vegetarians or vegans, just the facts about Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid (folate) on neural tube defects in babies,as below: " " Maternal plasma folate and vitamin B12 are independent risk factors for neural tube defects P. N. KIRKE1,2, A. M. MOLLOY3, L. E. DALY2, H. BURKE1, D. C. WEIR3 and J. M. SCOTT4, 1From the Health Research Board Dublin 2Department of Public Health Medicine and Epidemiology, University College Dublin 3Department of Clinical Medicine, Trinity College Dublin 4Department of Biochemistry, Trinity College Dublin Address correspondence to Professor John M. Scott, Dept, of Biochemistry, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland. Received 26 July 1993 Accepted for publication 8 September 1993. Blood was taken at the first antenatal clinic from 56049 pregnant women. Neural tube defect (NTD) pregnancies (81) were compared to controls (247) for plasma vitamin B12 (B12) (ng/l), plasma folate (µg/1), and red cell folate (RCF) (µg/l). Median values were significantly different and were, respectively, 243 and 296 (p = 0.001); 3.47 and 4.59 (p = 0.002); and 269 and 338 (p < 0.001). There was a significant correlation between plasma B12 and RCF in cases (r = 0.31, p = 0.004) but not in controls (r = 0.02, p = 0.725). In cases only, multiple regression showed that both plasma B12 and plasma folate influenced the maternal RCF (multiple r = 0.68, p < 0.001). Plasma folate and plasma B12 were independent risk factors for NTDs, suggesting that the enzyme methionine synthase is involved directly or indirectly in the aetiology. The levels of folate and B12 where increased risk occurred were not those usually associated with deficiency, calling for a re-evaluation of their recommended daily allowances. Whether the aetiology is purely nutritional or a metabolic defect, this study suggests that consideration should be given to including B12 as well as folic acid in any programme of supplementation or food fortification to prevent NTDs. " " I wonder why they need to report research that was done in 1993 - 15 years ago - and why they feel the need to refer it to vegans/vegetarians. I imagine that the vast majority of vegans know about the need for Vitamin B12 supplementation or the eating of fortified foods - it is recommended on the Vegan Society website, and in many modern books on vegan diet. I might also write about it. BB Jo , " Peter " <metalscarab wrote: > > Hi Jo > > Which newspaper was it from - I'd quite like to write a letter of complaint > to them about the fact that they're misrepresenting what the scientific > report says. > > BB > Peter > > - > " heartwerk " <jo.heartwork > > Wednesday, March 04, 2009 7:40 AM > Re: B12 and birth defects > > > >I wasn't agreeing with the report I posted, just annoyed that the headline > >said 'Vegans .....' when in the report there was no mention of vegans. The > >newspapers here seem to want to report badly on the vegan diet - and I do > >think it is because of the meat and dairy industries, and the influence of > >their top people. > > > > Anyone with any commonsense would know that the vegan diet is fine. IMO > > all diets need balancing. > > > > Jo > > > > , " shinobibombay " <shinobibombay@> > > wrote: > >> > >> You know. Just because this article pissed me off I thought I would post > >> this > >> Well-planned vegetarian, vegan diets beneficial for pregnant mums > >> > >> Washington, Mar 3 : Expectant mothers should have well-planned vegetarian > >> and vegan diets for healthful pregnancies, say experts. > >> > >> According to the American Dietetic Association, " well-planned vegan and > >> other types of vegetarian diets are appropriate for all stages of the > >> life cycle, including during pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, > >> and adolescence. " > >> > >> While vitamin B12 deficiency may increase the risk for neural tube > >> defects, experts from Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine > >> (PCRM) suggest that requirements can be met with fortified foods or any > >> common multivitamin. > >> > >> from http://www.newkerala.com/topstory-fullnews-103496.html > >> > >> See? People can try and prove whatever they want. I wouldn't be surprised > >> to find out that these people who say the diet is bad are somehow > >> employed by the meat and dairy industry. > >> > >> Bill-in Utah > >> > >> , " jo.heartwork " <jo.heartwork@> wrote: > >> > > >> > Another scaremongering report in the papers. I note that in the report > >> > there is no mention of vegan diet! I'm hoping we all know that we need > >> > to get vitamin B12 through supplements and/or fortified foods. > >> > > >> > Jo > >> > > >> > Vegan diet increases the risk of birth defects, scientists warn > >> > Women who are strict vegetarians or vegans may be a greater risk of > >> > having a child with birth defects because they are likely to be > >> > deficient in vitamin B12, researchers warned. > >> > > >> > By Rebecca Smith, Medical Editor > >> > Last Updated: 7:28AM GMT 02 Mar 2009 > >> > > >> > Vitamin B12 and folic acid supplements are advised Photo: Alamy > >> > Research carried out in Ireland has found that women with low levels of > >> > B12, found in meat, eggs and milk, when they conceive are at greater > >> > risk of having a child with neural tube defects. > >> > > >> > These conditions include spina bifida, which causes partial paralysis, > >> > and anencephaly where the brain does not develop and is normally fatal > >> > shortly after birth. > >> > > >> > Women who may become pregnant or who are pregnant are advised to take > >> > folic acid supplements because it is known that the vitamin folate > >> > protects against these defects and it has been suggested that taking > >> > vitamin B12 may reduce the risk further. > >> > > >> > A team from the National Institutes of Health, Trinity College Dublin, > >> > and the Health Research Board of Ireland found women with low levels of > >> > B12 were 2.5 to three times more likely to have a child with a neural > >> > tube defect while those classed as deficient in B12 were five times > >> > more likely to have a child with a defect. > >> > > >> > The study is published in the journal Paediatrics. > >> > > >> > Dr Duane Alexander, director of the National Institute of Child Health > >> > and Human Development, in Maryland, America, who took part in the > >> > research said: " Vitamin B12 is essential for the functioning of the > >> > nervous system and for the production of red blood cells. > >> > > >> > " The results of this study suggest that women with low levels of B12 > >> > not only may risk health problems of their own, but also may increase > >> > the chance that their children may be born with a serious birth > >> > defect. " > >> > > >> > Blood taken from one group of 160 women who were pregnant with a child > >> > that had a neural tube defect at the time the sample was taken was > >> > compared to women who had previously had a child with a neural tube > >> > defect but whose current pregnancy was unaffected. > >> > > >> > The researchers adjusted for folate levels in order to evaluate the > >> > effect of B12 levels independently of folic acid. > >> > > >> > It is not known how deficiency in B12 and folate increases the risk of > >> > neural tube defects but the vitamins are involved in several > >> > biochemical reactions in the body. > >> > > >> > Dr James Mills, senior investigator in the Division of Epidemiology, > >> > Statistics, and Prevention Research, in America and co-author said that > >> > critical events in the formation of the brain and spinal column occur > >> > very early in pregnancy-in the first 28 days after conception-before > >> > many women even realise they are pregnant. > >> > > >> > " If women wait until they realise that they are pregnant before they > >> > start taking folic acid, it is usually too late, " he said. > >> > > >> > In America all women of childbearing age are recommended to consume 400 > >> > micrograms of folic acid each day to ensure they have sufficient levels > >> > if they fall pregnant unintentionally. > >> > > >> > Dr Mills said it would be wise for women to do the same with B12. > >> > > >> > " Our results offer evidence that women who have adequate B12 levels > >> > before they become pregnant may further reduce the occurrence of this > >> > class of birth defects, " Dr. Mills said. > >> > > >> > > > > > > > > > > --- > > > > To send an email to > > -! Groups Links > > > > > > > --- To send an email to -! Groups Links <*> / <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: /join ( ID required) <*> To change settings via email: -digest -fullfeatured <*> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 4, 2009 Report Share Posted March 4, 2009 IF they respond! It looks like it is up to us! I don't know if you are aware of this, but the webbots find the stuff that is saved in ! I use and never paid attention to it until I googled something and it came up as in . That is how I discovered this. So, I guess we need to say things like " Vegan diets more healthy than meat oriented diets " and stuff. Just to get the spiders to find it! Vegan diet better for you than meat. Vegans are healthier than omnivores, etc,etc... Bill-in Utah , Peter Kebbell <metalscarab wrote: > > Hi Jo > > Thanks - an e-mail of complaint has gone to the Telegraph asking them why > they feel it necessary to report news that is 15 years old, and pointing out > that their headline was a misrepresentation of the report which made no > reference to vegans. It will be interesting to see their response! > > BB > Peter > > 2009/3/4 heartwerk <jo.heartwork > > > Hi Peter > > > > It was on the Daily Telegraph site (Rebecca Smith - Health Editor). In > > their own heading they mentioned vegans and vegetarians, but in the body of > > the article there was no mention of them. > > > > I notice the research they are quoting (Anne M. Molloy, Peadar N. Kirke, > > James F. Troendle, Helen Burke, Marie Sutton, Lawrence C. Brody, John M. > > Scott, and James L. Mills) was from 1993 and from what I can see of that > > there is also no mention of vegetarians or vegans, just the facts about > > Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid (folate) on neural tube defects in babies,as > > below: > > > > " " Maternal plasma folate and vitamin B12 are independent risk factors for > > neural tube defects > > P. N. KIRKE1,2, A. M. MOLLOY3, L. E. DALY2, H. BURKE1, D. C. WEIR3 and J. > > M. SCOTT4, > > 1From the Health Research Board Dublin 2Department of Public Health > > Medicine and Epidemiology, University College Dublin 3Department of Clinical > > Medicine, Trinity College Dublin 4Department of Biochemistry, Trinity > > College Dublin > > > > > > Address correspondence to Professor John M. Scott, Dept, of Biochemistry, > > Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland. > > > > Received 26 July 1993 Accepted for publication 8 September 1993. > > > > Blood was taken at the first antenatal clinic from 56049 pregnant women. > > Neural tube defect (NTD) pregnancies (81) were compared to controls (247) > > for plasma vitamin B12 (B12) (ng/l), plasma folate (µg/1), and red cell > > folate (RCF) (µg/l). Median values were significantly different and were, > > respectively, 243 and 296 (p = 0.001); 3.47 and 4.59 (p = 0.002); and 269 > > and 338 (p < 0.001). There was a significant correlation between plasma B12 > > and RCF in cases (r = 0.31, p = 0.004) but not in controls (r = 0.02, p = > > 0.725). In cases only, multiple regression showed that both plasma B12 and > > plasma folate influenced the maternal RCF (multiple r = 0.68, p < 0.001). > > Plasma folate and plasma B12 were independent risk factors for NTDs, > > suggesting that the enzyme methionine synthase is involved directly or > > indirectly in the aetiology. The levels of folate and B12 where increased > > risk occurred were not those usually associated with deficiency, calling for > > a re-evaluation of their recommended daily allowances. Whether the aetiology > > is purely nutritional or a metabolic defect, this study suggests that > > consideration should be given to including B12 as well as folic acid in any > > programme of supplementation or food fortification to prevent NTDs. " " > > > > I wonder why they need to report research that was done in 1993 - 15 years > > ago - and why they feel the need to refer it to vegans/vegetarians. > > > > I imagine that the vast majority of vegans know about the need for Vitamin > > B12 supplementation or the eating of fortified foods - it is recommended on > > the Vegan Society website, and in many modern books on vegan diet. > > > > I might also write about it. > > > > BB > > Jo > > > > , " Peter " <metalscarab@> wrote: > > > > > > Hi Jo > > > > > > Which newspaper was it from - I'd quite like to write a letter of > > complaint > > > to them about the fact that they're misrepresenting what the scientific > > > report says. > > > > > > BB > > > Peter > > > > > > - > > > " heartwerk " <jo.heartwork@> > > > > > > Wednesday, March 04, 2009 7:40 AM > > > Re: B12 and birth defects > > > > > > > > > >I wasn't agreeing with the report I posted, just annoyed that the > > headline > > > >said 'Vegans .....' when in the report there was no mention of vegans. > > The > > > >newspapers here seem to want to report badly on the vegan diet - and I > > do > > > >think it is because of the meat and dairy industries, and the influence > > of > > > >their top people. > > > > > > > > Anyone with any commonsense would know that the vegan diet is fine. > > IMO > > > > all diets need balancing. > > > > > > > > Jo > > > > > > > > , " shinobibombay " <shinobibombay@> > > > > wrote: > > > >> > > > >> You know. Just because this article pissed me off I thought I would > > post > > > >> this > > > >> Well-planned vegetarian, vegan diets beneficial for pregnant mums > > > >> > > > >> Washington, Mar 3 : Expectant mothers should have well-planned > > vegetarian > > > >> and vegan diets for healthful pregnancies, say experts. > > > >> > > > >> According to the American Dietetic Association, " well-planned vegan > > and > > > >> other types of vegetarian diets are appropriate for all stages of the > > > >> life cycle, including during pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, > > > >> and adolescence. " > > > >> > > > >> While vitamin B12 deficiency may increase the risk for neural tube > > > >> defects, experts from Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine > > > >> (PCRM) suggest that requirements can be met with fortified foods or > > any > > > >> common multivitamin. > > > >> > > > >> from http://www.newkerala.com/topstory-fullnews-103496.html > > > >> > > > >> See? People can try and prove whatever they want. I wouldn't be > > surprised > > > >> to find out that these people who say the diet is bad are somehow > > > >> employed by the meat and dairy industry. > > > >> > > > >> Bill-in Utah > > > >> > > > >> , " jo.heartwork " <jo.heartwork@> > > wrote: > > > >> > > > > >> > Another scaremongering report in the papers. I note that in the > > report > > > >> > there is no mention of vegan diet! I'm hoping we all know that we > > need > > > >> > to get vitamin B12 through supplements and/or fortified foods. > > > >> > > > > >> > Jo > > > >> > > > > >> > Vegan diet increases the risk of birth defects, scientists warn > > > >> > Women who are strict vegetarians or vegans may be a greater risk of > > > >> > having a child with birth defects because they are likely to be > > > >> > deficient in vitamin B12, researchers warned. > > > >> > > > > >> > By Rebecca Smith, Medical Editor > > > >> > Last Updated: 7:28AM GMT 02 Mar 2009 > > > >> > > > > >> > Vitamin B12 and folic acid supplements are advised Photo: Alamy > > > >> > Research carried out in Ireland has found that women with low levels > > of > > > >> > B12, found in meat, eggs and milk, when they conceive are at greater > > > >> > risk of having a child with neural tube defects. > > > >> > > > > >> > These conditions include spina bifida, which causes partial > > paralysis, > > > >> > and anencephaly where the brain does not develop and is normally > > fatal > > > >> > shortly after birth. > > > >> > > > > >> > Women who may become pregnant or who are pregnant are advised to > > take > > > >> > folic acid supplements because it is known that the vitamin folate > > > >> > protects against these defects and it has been suggested that taking > > > >> > vitamin B12 may reduce the risk further. > > > >> > > > > >> > A team from the National Institutes of Health, Trinity College > > Dublin, > > > >> > and the Health Research Board of Ireland found women with low levels > > of > > > >> > B12 were 2.5 to three times more likely to have a child with a > > neural > > > >> > tube defect while those classed as deficient in B12 were five times > > > >> > more likely to have a child with a defect. > > > >> > > > > >> > The study is published in the journal Paediatrics. > > > >> > > > > >> > Dr Duane Alexander, director of the National Institute of Child > > Health > > > >> > and Human Development, in Maryland, America, who took part in the > > > >> > research said: " Vitamin B12 is essential for the functioning of the > > > >> > nervous system and for the production of red blood cells. > > > >> > > > > >> > " The results of this study suggest that women with low levels of B12 > > > >> > not only may risk health problems of their own, but also may > > increase > > > >> > the chance that their children may be born with a serious birth > > > >> > defect. " > > > >> > > > > >> > Blood taken from one group of 160 women who were pregnant with a > > child > > > >> > that had a neural tube defect at the time the sample was taken was > > > >> > compared to women who had previously had a child with a neural tube > > > >> > defect but whose current pregnancy was unaffected. > > > >> > > > > >> > The researchers adjusted for folate levels in order to evaluate the > > > >> > effect of B12 levels independently of folic acid. > > > >> > > > > >> > It is not known how deficiency in B12 and folate increases the risk > > of > > > >> > neural tube defects but the vitamins are involved in several > > > >> > biochemical reactions in the body. > > > >> > > > > >> > Dr James Mills, senior investigator in the Division of Epidemiology, > > > >> > Statistics, and Prevention Research, in America and co-author said > > that > > > >> > critical events in the formation of the brain and spinal column > > occur > > > >> > very early in pregnancy-in the first 28 days after conception-before > > > >> > many women even realise they are pregnant. > > > >> > > > > >> > " If women wait until they realise that they are pregnant before they > > > >> > start taking folic acid, it is usually too late, " he said. > > > >> > > > > >> > In America all women of childbearing age are recommended to consume > > 400 > > > >> > micrograms of folic acid each day to ensure they have sufficient > > levels > > > >> > if they fall pregnant unintentionally. > > > >> > > > > >> > Dr Mills said it would be wise for women to do the same with B12. > > > >> > > > > >> > " Our results offer evidence that women who have adequate B12 levels > > > >> > before they become pregnant may further reduce the occurrence of > > this > > > >> > class of birth defects, " Dr. Mills said. > > > >> > > > > >> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > --- > > > > > > > > To send an email to > > > > -@! Groups Links > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > --- > > > > To send an email to -! > > Groups Links > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted March 5, 2009 Report Share Posted March 5, 2009 Hi Peter I have also emailed. I wonder if we will get any reply. BB Jo , Peter Kebbell <metalscarab wrote: > > Hi Jo > > Thanks - an e-mail of complaint has gone to the Telegraph asking them why > they feel it necessary to report news that is 15 years old, and pointing out > that their headline was a misrepresentation of the report which made no > reference to vegans. It will be interesting to see their response! > > BB > Peter > > 2009/3/4 heartwerk <jo.heartwork > > > Hi Peter > > > > It was on the Daily Telegraph site (Rebecca Smith - Health Editor). In > > their own heading they mentioned vegans and vegetarians, but in the body of > > the article there was no mention of them. > > > > I notice the research they are quoting (Anne M. Molloy, Peadar N. Kirke, > > James F. Troendle, Helen Burke, Marie Sutton, Lawrence C. Brody, John M. > > Scott, and James L. Mills) was from 1993 and from what I can see of that > > there is also no mention of vegetarians or vegans, just the facts about > > Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid (folate) on neural tube defects in babies,as > > below: > > > > " " Maternal plasma folate and vitamin B12 are independent risk factors for > > neural tube defects > > P. N. KIRKE1,2, A. M. MOLLOY3, L. E. DALY2, H. BURKE1, D. C. WEIR3 and J. > > M. SCOTT4, > > 1From the Health Research Board Dublin 2Department of Public Health > > Medicine and Epidemiology, University College Dublin 3Department of Clinical > > Medicine, Trinity College Dublin 4Department of Biochemistry, Trinity > > College Dublin > > > > > > Address correspondence to Professor John M. Scott, Dept, of Biochemistry, > > Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland. > > > > Received 26 July 1993 Accepted for publication 8 September 1993. > > > > Blood was taken at the first antenatal clinic from 56049 pregnant women. > > Neural tube defect (NTD) pregnancies (81) were compared to controls (247) > > for plasma vitamin B12 (B12) (ng/l), plasma folate (µg/1), and red cell > > folate (RCF) (µg/l). Median values were significantly different and were, > > respectively, 243 and 296 (p = 0.001); 3.47 and 4.59 (p = 0.002); and 269 > > and 338 (p < 0.001). There was a significant correlation between plasma B12 > > and RCF in cases (r = 0.31, p = 0.004) but not in controls (r = 0.02, p = > > 0.725). In cases only, multiple regression showed that both plasma B12 and > > plasma folate influenced the maternal RCF (multiple r = 0.68, p < 0.001). > > Plasma folate and plasma B12 were independent risk factors for NTDs, > > suggesting that the enzyme methionine synthase is involved directly or > > indirectly in the aetiology. The levels of folate and B12 where increased > > risk occurred were not those usually associated with deficiency, calling for > > a re-evaluation of their recommended daily allowances. Whether the aetiology > > is purely nutritional or a metabolic defect, this study suggests that > > consideration should be given to including B12 as well as folic acid in any > > programme of supplementation or food fortification to prevent NTDs. " " > > > > I wonder why they need to report research that was done in 1993 - 15 years > > ago - and why they feel the need to refer it to vegans/vegetarians. > > > > I imagine that the vast majority of vegans know about the need for Vitamin > > B12 supplementation or the eating of fortified foods - it is recommended on > > the Vegan Society website, and in many modern books on vegan diet. > > > > I might also write about it. > > > > BB > > Jo > > > > , " Peter " <metalscarab@> wrote: > > > > > > Hi Jo > > > > > > Which newspaper was it from - I'd quite like to write a letter of > > complaint > > > to them about the fact that they're misrepresenting what the scientific > > > report says. > > > > > > BB > > > Peter > > > > > > - > > > " heartwerk " <jo.heartwork@> > > > > > > Wednesday, March 04, 2009 7:40 AM > > > Re: B12 and birth defects > > > > > > > > > >I wasn't agreeing with the report I posted, just annoyed that the > > headline > > > >said 'Vegans .....' when in the report there was no mention of vegans. > > The > > > >newspapers here seem to want to report badly on the vegan diet - and I > > do > > > >think it is because of the meat and dairy industries, and the influence > > of > > > >their top people. > > > > > > > > Anyone with any commonsense would know that the vegan diet is fine. > > IMO > > > > all diets need balancing. > > > > > > > > Jo > > > > > > > > , " shinobibombay " <shinobibombay@> > > > > wrote: > > > >> > > > >> You know. Just because this article pissed me off I thought I would > > post > > > >> this > > > >> Well-planned vegetarian, vegan diets beneficial for pregnant mums > > > >> > > > >> Washington, Mar 3 : Expectant mothers should have well-planned > > vegetarian > > > >> and vegan diets for healthful pregnancies, say experts. > > > >> > > > >> According to the American Dietetic Association, " well-planned vegan > > and > > > >> other types of vegetarian diets are appropriate for all stages of the > > > >> life cycle, including during pregnancy, lactation, infancy, childhood, > > > >> and adolescence. " > > > >> > > > >> While vitamin B12 deficiency may increase the risk for neural tube > > > >> defects, experts from Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine > > > >> (PCRM) suggest that requirements can be met with fortified foods or > > any > > > >> common multivitamin. > > > >> > > > >> from http://www.newkerala.com/topstory-fullnews-103496.html > > > >> > > > >> See? People can try and prove whatever they want. I wouldn't be > > surprised > > > >> to find out that these people who say the diet is bad are somehow > > > >> employed by the meat and dairy industry. > > > >> > > > >> Bill-in Utah > > > >> > > > >> , " jo.heartwork " <jo.heartwork@> > > wrote: > > > >> > > > > >> > Another scaremongering report in the papers. I note that in the > > report > > > >> > there is no mention of vegan diet! I'm hoping we all know that we > > need > > > >> > to get vitamin B12 through supplements and/or fortified foods. > > > >> > > > > >> > Jo > > > >> > > > > >> > Vegan diet increases the risk of birth defects, scientists warn > > > >> > Women who are strict vegetarians or vegans may be a greater risk of > > > >> > having a child with birth defects because they are likely to be > > > >> > deficient in vitamin B12, researchers warned. > > > >> > > > > >> > By Rebecca Smith, Medical Editor > > > >> > Last Updated: 7:28AM GMT 02 Mar 2009 > > > >> > > > > >> > Vitamin B12 and folic acid supplements are advised Photo: Alamy > > > >> > Research carried out in Ireland has found that women with low levels > > of > > > >> > B12, found in meat, eggs and milk, when they conceive are at greater > > > >> > risk of having a child with neural tube defects. > > > >> > > > > >> > These conditions include spina bifida, which causes partial > > paralysis, > > > >> > and anencephaly where the brain does not develop and is normally > > fatal > > > >> > shortly after birth. > > > >> > > > > >> > Women who may become pregnant or who are pregnant are advised to > > take > > > >> > folic acid supplements because it is known that the vitamin folate > > > >> > protects against these defects and it has been suggested that taking > > > >> > vitamin B12 may reduce the risk further. > > > >> > > > > >> > A team from the National Institutes of Health, Trinity College > > Dublin, > > > >> > and the Health Research Board of Ireland found women with low levels > > of > > > >> > B12 were 2.5 to three times more likely to have a child with a > > neural > > > >> > tube defect while those classed as deficient in B12 were five times > > > >> > more likely to have a child with a defect. > > > >> > > > > >> > The study is published in the journal Paediatrics. > > > >> > > > > >> > Dr Duane Alexander, director of the National Institute of Child > > Health > > > >> > and Human Development, in Maryland, America, who took part in the > > > >> > research said: " Vitamin B12 is essential for the functioning of the > > > >> > nervous system and for the production of red blood cells. > > > >> > > > > >> > " The results of this study suggest that women with low levels of B12 > > > >> > not only may risk health problems of their own, but also may > > increase > > > >> > the chance that their children may be born with a serious birth > > > >> > defect. " > > > >> > > > > >> > Blood taken from one group of 160 women who were pregnant with a > > child > > > >> > that had a neural tube defect at the time the sample was taken was > > > >> > compared to women who had previously had a child with a neural tube > > > >> > defect but whose current pregnancy was unaffected. > > > >> > > > > >> > The researchers adjusted for folate levels in order to evaluate the > > > >> > effect of B12 levels independently of folic acid. > > > >> > > > > >> > It is not known how deficiency in B12 and folate increases the risk > > of > > > >> > neural tube defects but the vitamins are involved in several > > > >> > biochemical reactions in the body. > > > >> > > > > >> > Dr James Mills, senior investigator in the Division of Epidemiology, > > > >> > Statistics, and Prevention Research, in America and co-author said > > that > > > >> > critical events in the formation of the brain and spinal column > > occur > > > >> > very early in pregnancy-in the first 28 days after conception-before > > > >> > many women even realise they are pregnant. > > > >> > > > > >> > " If women wait until they realise that they are pregnant before they > > > >> > start taking folic acid, it is usually too late, " he said. > > > >> > > > > >> > In America all women of childbearing age are recommended to consume > > 400 > > > >> > micrograms of folic acid each day to ensure they have sufficient > > levels > > > >> > if they fall pregnant unintentionally. > > > >> > > > > >> > Dr Mills said it would be wise for women to do the same with B12. > > > >> > > > > >> > " Our results offer evidence that women who have adequate B12 levels > > > >> > before they become pregnant may further reduce the occurrence of > > this > > > >> > class of birth defects, " Dr. Mills said. > > > >> > > > > >> > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > --- > > > > > > > > To send an email to > > > > -@! Groups Links > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > --- > > > > To send an email to -! > > Groups Links > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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