Bridget Benelam from the British Nutrition Foundation says low levels of vitamin B6 are rare in the UK because the nutrient is widespread in everyday foods.
She warns against viewing beer as a meaningful source of nutrients
Benelam explicitly states that beer or any alcoholic drink should not be considered a key source of vitamins, emphasizing that nutritional needs should be met through diet alone.
She identifies specific at-risk groups for B6 deficiency
According to Benelam, individuals with health conditions such as alcoholism or chronic kidney disease may experience problems related to vitamin B6 levels, despite the general population’s adequate intake.
She recommends focusing on other B vitamins like B12 and riboflavin
Benelam advises paying attention to vitamins B12 and B2 (riboflavin), which are important for metabolism and energy release and are typically found in dairy and animal-based foods.
She offers guidance for vegans to maintain adequate B vitamin intake
For those following a vegan diet, Benelam suggests choosing fortified milk and yoghurt substitutes to help absorb more of the essential B vitamins that are less available in plant-based foods.
Why does Benelam say vitamin B6 deficiency is uncommon in the UK?
She states that vitamin B6 is found in so many foods that This proves unlikely for someone with a normal diet to have low levels, unless they are on a very restricted diet.
What does Benelam advise vegans to do to receive enough B vitamins?
She recommends that vegans choose fortified milk and yoghurt substitutes to absorb more of vitamins like B12 and riboflavin, which are typically found in dairy and animal foods.