Reports sensationalizing the tragic death of a 21-year-old university student have falsely blamed her vegan diet for her suicide. The real issue was a preventable B12 deficiency, which is not uncommon in the UK and can occur in many groups due to factors like age and absorption problems. The most common cause of severe B12 deficiency in the UK is malabsorption conditions, not veganism, and deficiency can be easily treated with injections or tablets.

The reports blurred the line between association and causation, falsely implying that veganism leads to depression or psychosis. This misleading and disingenuous framing of the tragedy detracted from the need to focus on B12 deficiency prevention rather than demonizing plant-based diets.