The Claim
Scottish seaweed species, particularly Fucus serratus, contain measurable levels of vitamin B12 at a mean concentration of 148.0 ± 42.5 μg/kg dry weight, and a 5-gram dry portion provides up to 49% of the Reference Nutrient Intake of 1.5 μg/day, indicating it can serve as a plant-based source of vitamin B12 for populations with limited animal product consumption.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
Fucus serratus seaweed from Scotland contains vitamin B12, and eating 5 grams of dried seaweed provides nearly half the daily vitamin B12 requirement for adults.
See the scientific wording
Scottish seaweed species, particularly Fucus serratus, contain measurable levels of vitamin B12 (mean 148.0 ± 42.5 μg/kg dry weight), and a 5-gram dry portion may provide up to 49% of the Reference Nutrient Intake (1.5 μg/day), suggesting potential as a plant-based source of this essential micronutrient for populations with limited animal product consumption.
When a person eats dried Fucus serratus, the vitamin B12 inside it survives digestion, gets absorbed in the lower intestine, and attaches to a protein that carries it through the blood to cells that need it.
What the research says
1 studyThis study found that a small amount of a specific Scottish seaweed has a lot of vitamin B12—enough to give nearly half the daily amount you need. That means it could help people who don’t eat meat or dairy get this important vitamin from plants.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.