Vitamin B12: Why it Matters for Everyone

Sep 19

PAN’s Roberta Alessandrini as Featured on ProVeg’s ‘ProVeg Talks’ Podcast

Vitamin B12 is often framed as a “vegan issue”, but its relevance extends to us all. From children to older adults, this essential nutrient supports nerve function, red blood cell formation, and long-term health. Deficiency is a global concern, not limited to those following plant-based diets.

In a new episode of the ProVeg podcast, host Valentina Gallani (nutritionist and food technologist) speaks with Roberta Alessandrini, PAN’s Dietary Guidelines Initiative Director to help make national dietary guidelines more plant-forward.

Together, they unpack:

• Why Vitamin B12 is vital for everyone’s health and wellbeing

• How needs change across different stages of life

• The most reliable ways to meet daily requirements, from supplements to fortified foods

• Why public health nutrition must address B12 as part of a global strategy

• How dietary guidelines are evolving to support healthier, more sustainable diets

Roberta offers clear, evidence-based insights that cut through myths and highlight practical solutions. She also points to the broader importance of integrating nutrition science into public health to create a food system that supports both people and the planet.

Watch the full conversation here: YouTube Video Link

PAN International https://pan-int.org

Vitamin B12: Why it Matters for Everyone

Vitamin B12 is often framed as a “vegan issue”, but its relevance extends to us all. From children to older adults, this essential nutrient supports nerve function, red blood cell formation, and long-term health. Deficiency is a global concern, not limited to those following plant-based diets.

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