Why swapping fish for tofu might make you low on B12
Substituting animal protein foods with plant protein foods influences vitamin B12 and folate statuses in a multiethnic Asian population
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
This study looked at what happens when people in Asia replace meat and fish with plant foods like grains, veggies, or nuts.
No biological mechanisms were identified in this study. This may be an epidemiological, observational, or survey-based study that reports associations rather than proposing causal biological pathways.
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Evidence Score
A snapshot of a population at a single point in time. Can identify correlations and prevalence, but cannot determine the direction of cause and effect.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
This study looked at what happens when people in Asia replace meat and fish with plant foods like grains, veggies, or nuts.
No biological mechanisms were identified in this study. This may be an epidemiological, observational, or survey-based study that reports associations rather than proposing causal biological pathways.
Systematic Reviews & Meta-Analyses
Max 100Randomized Controlled Trials
Max 90Cohort Studies
Max 72Case-Control Studies
Max 58Cross-Sectional Studies
Max 44Case Reports & Case Series
Max 30Expert Opinion & Narrative Reviews
Max 542 / 44
Evidence Score
A snapshot of a population at a single point in time. Can identify correlations and prevalence, but cannot determine the direction of cause and effect.
Publication
Authors
Lee YQ, Chia A, Sim X, van Dam RM, Chong MF
Related Content
Claims (6)
Replacing 30 grams of white or oily fish daily with plant-based protein sources is linked to a higher likelihood of vitamin B12 deficiency in adults aged 21 to 75.
In adults aged 21–75, substituting 30 grams of refined grains per day for red meat, white meat, processed meat, and processed seafood is linked to a 12% higher likelihood of having low vitamin B12 levels.
Replacing 30 grams per day of processed meat or seafood with vegetables or nuts and seeds is linked to higher levels of folate in the blood.
Replacing all meat with refined grains may increase the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency more than simply eating less meat, because complete shifts to plant-based diets low in essential nutrients can lead to greater nutrient gaps than partial changes.
Swapping processed meats and seafood for plant-based foods may increase folate levels in the blood, while swapping fish and mixed meats for refined grains or plant proteins may decrease vitamin B12 levels, showing that the nutritional effect depends on which foods are exchanged.