(OR04-06-24) Substituting Animal Protein Foods With Plant Protein Foods Influences Vitamin B12 and Folate Statuses in a Multiethnic Asian Population

Objectives: A shift from animal-based to plant-based diets can promote health and sustainability. However, the influence of this shift on vitamin B12 and folate statuses in Asian populations remains unclear. We examined the associations between substituting animal protein foods with plant protein foods and vitamin B12 and folate statuses in an Asian population.

Methods: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using data collected from 993 Singapore residents (aged 21–75 years) from the Singapore Multi-Ethnic Cohort. Dietary intake was assessed using a validated food frequency questionnaire. Fasting blood samples were collected to measure serum vitamin B12 and folate concentrations and deficiencies were defined by < 148pmol/L and < 10nmol/L respectively. Multivariable logistic and linear regression analyses were conducted to examine the associations.

Results: Substituting white fish or oily fish with 30g per day equivalent of various plant protein foods was associated with higher odds of vitamin B12 deficiency [odds ratio (OR) ranged from 1.62 to 1.85, 1.98 to 2.23 for white and oily fish respectively; p< 0.05]. Similarly, substituting a combination of meats (including red and white meat, processed meat and processed seafood) simultaneously with an equivalent portion of refined grains (30g per day) was associated with a higher odds of vitamin B12 deficiency (OR 1.12; p< 0.05). In contrast, substituting processed meat and processed seafood with an equivalent portion of vegetables or nuts and seeds was associated with higher folate serum levels (β: 1.19 and 2.50 respectively; p< 0.05).

Conclusions: Total elimination of meats and replacing them with refined grains may pose a greater risk of vitamin B12 deficiency than reduction of individual meats. Replacing meats, especially processed ones, with high quality, nutrient-dense plant-based foods, such as wholegrains, vegetables, legumes, nuts, and seeds, may help decrease the likelihood of vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies. Regular intake of fish, especially oily fish, may also help reduce the likelihood of vitamin B12 deficiency.

Funding Sources: The Singapore Ministry of Education Academic Research Fund Tier 1, the Singapore Ministry of Health, National University of Singapore and National University Health System, Singapore.