AI Vegan nutrition plans lack advice on essential nutrients like vitamin B12, say German researchers.

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Studies & Numbers

German Researchers Uncover Flaws in Vegan Diet Plans by ChatGPT and Gemini

Researchers at the University of Hohenheim and the Max Rubner Institute conducted a study on the suitability of AI chatbots ChatGPT and Gemini (previously Bard) to create meal plans that meet the daily intakes of macro- and micronutrients for different dietary patterns: omnivorous, vegetarian, and vegan. Although the chatbots’ meal plans generally met most dietary reference intakes (DRI), the study found that vegan diet plans “concerningly” lacked advice on essential nutrients like vitamin B12, which is critical for nerve function, blood formation, and neurological processes. The authors explain that ChatGPT suggested using vitamin B12 supplements for vegan diets in five out of 18 instances. Meanwhile, Gemini never recommended them and erroneously included milk products in vegan plans. Sam Tucker, the developer of VEG3, a vegan and animal …

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Scientist discover algae that contain vitamin B12

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Algae, Microalgae & Seaweed

Scientists Discover B12-Rich Algae Promising Natural Supplements for Vegan Diets

Scientists at Cambridge University have discovered that certain algae are rich sources of vitamin B12, claiming they are suitable for producing natural B12-boosting supplements.   Vitamin B12, missing in vegan diets, is an essential micronutrient that manufactures blood and nerve cells. Its deficiency can lead to muscle weakness, fatigue, nausea, and weight loss. It can increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes, as well as an autoimmune disorder called pernicious anemia. The elderly, pregnant, and lactating women are at particular risk when exposed to low doses. In the UK, almost 1.5% of the population is vegan, meaning 2.5 million people rely on supplements to get the vitamin. According to the European Journal of Nutrition, vegan diets supply only a fraction of the B12 required — about 0.5 micrograms per day, which …

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Super Nooch Notorious Nooch Co

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Products & Launches

Notorious Nooch Co Launches Super-Hero Themed, Vitamin-Packed Super Nooch

The Notorious Nooch Co launches Super Nooch. With over 100% NRV of B12, the product reportedly contains more B vitamins than any other nutritional yeast on the market, and is super-hero themed in accordance with the release of the new Batman film today. Nutritional yeast has become a staple ingredient for vegans over recent years, coveted for its umami qualities and naturally occurring cheese flavour. The yeast is a deactivated ingredient and overall nooch is a convenient and delicious way for both vegans and non-vegans to obtain B12. Says Wholefood Warrior aka Eva Humphries, leading BANT Registered Nutritionist, DipION, mBANT, and CNHC: “Nutritional yeast may serve as a good source of Vitamin B12 for those on a plant-based diet. B12 is vital for energy production …

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Vitamin B12

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Studies & Numbers

UK Scientists Discover Breakthrough to Solve B12 Shortage 

With another successful Veganuary coming to a close, figures suggest a record number of people will be sticking with a plant-based diet on a long-term basis. With that in mind, scientists in the UK have developed a new solution for efficient B12 production, while also launching a campaign to warn of the dangers of B12 deficiency for those new to plant-based.  “The UK is suffering a serious vitamin B12 shortage” Scientists at the Quadram Institute at Norwich Research Park and Durham University have developed a ‘metalation calculator’ which could make the mass bioproduction of B12 both more affordable and sustainable for future vegan food and supplements. Industrial biotechnologists can use this tech to optimize their manufacturing of B12 – the essential micronutrient which plays multiple …

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peeroton sports cereals

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Products & Launches

Peeroton Presents Vegan Muesli Made by Athletes for Athletes

For the first time, the leading Austrian sports nutrition manufacturer Peeroton is offering a vegan muesli. The product has been developed by nutrition experts along with athletes and is specially tailored to athletes’ needs. Balanced formula for support in sport and everyday life In collaboration with nutrition experts and athletes, the leading Austrian sports nutrition manufacturer Peeroton has developed a unique formula. With high-quality soy flakes, amaranth, and the patented PANMOL vitamin complex, the muesli is designed to help athletes prepare for great challenges in sport and everyday life. It is made up of a balanced combination of complex carbohydrates and proteins. Vitamins C, B6, and B12 contribute to proper energy metabolism and the functioning of the immune system. High protein content supported by isomaltulose …

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Moving Mountains Bleeding Burger

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Top Stories

Moving Mountains Signs Deal with Bidfoods to Supply Universities, Hospitals and Schools

Moving Mountains, the UK brand who launched the UK’s first vegan “bleeding burger”, have seen exponential growth this year, with the announcement of their expansion to Europe In January, and their $12M distibution deal with Rastelli Foods for the Middle East in February. As a continuation of this success, The brand has just signed a deal with one of the UK’s leading foodservice providers, Bidfood, to distribute its meatless ‘bleeding’ burger to universities, hospitals and schools nationwide.

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B12 Burger at Maxwell's Bar & Grill

© Maxwell's Bar & Grill

Top Stories

Marston’s Pubs Receive PETA Award for Vegan Menu

At the beginning of this September, it was announced that UK pub chain Marston’s were rolling out a vegan menu in response to consumer demand. It was revealed that they would collaborate with Moving Mountains, to supply their flagship product the“bleeding” B12 burger across over 400 pubs around the country. Today they have won a PETA award for their vegan menu.

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Simeon Van der Molen, founder of Moving Mountains

Simeon Van der Molen, founder of Moving Mountains

Interviews

UK’s Bleeding B12 Burger Launches in over 400 Pubs: Exclusive Interview

Moving Mountains is a ground-breaking British brand who launched the UK’s first ever meatless ‘bleeding’ burger into restaurants in early 2018. On Friday it was announced that their 100% plant-based B12 burger will be available across UK’s Marston’s pubs from this Wednesday, as part of part of Marston’s recognition of flexitarianism.

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