The tragic death of a 21-year-old university student has sparked sensational news reports warning about veganism, when the real issue is preventable B12 deficiency rather than plant-based diets. B12 deficiency is not uncommon in the UK, affecting around one in 20 people aged 65 to 74 and one in 10 people aged 75 and older. The most common cause of severe B12 deficiency in the UK is malabsorption conditions, not veganism, with certain medicines also affecting B12 absorption.

The woman who died reportedly adopted a vegan diet for about three years before her death, and her family believed she stopped taking B12 supplements for at least six months prior. B12 deficiency develops slowly in the body due to stored reserves lasting several years, and severe deficiency can have serious consequences if missed. The reports linking the deficiency to psychiatric symptoms should focus on prevention rather than weaponising a tragedy against veganism.