Parabel, a producer of plant protein ingredients, has announced the discovery of a natural plant-based source of Vitamin B12 in its water lentil crop.
An independent third-party laboratory testing has confirmed that Parabel’s water lentil crop and the ingredient Lentein plant protein contain the natural bioactive forms of Vitamin B12 adenosylcobalamin, methycobalamin. The water lentil, or duckweed as it is commonly called, was shown to contain approximately 750 % of the US recommended daily value of the bioactive forms of Vitamin B12 (per 100 grams of dry plant).
Dramatic shifts in the adoption of plant-based diets coupled with an aging population means this critical vitamin is receiving increasing levels of attention. Although natural bioactive forms of Vitamin B12 can be found in meats and dairy products, some diets require supplementation of the vitamin, as it is typically absent in plant foods. The most common supplemental form of Vitamin B12 is synthetic, which has had some consumers concerned.
In addition to Vitamin B12, the water lentil has been referred to as the world’s most complete food source as a result of the high levels and quality of protein, vitamins and minerals in the plant, according to Parabel. The rapidly growing water lentil crop can double its biomass in a matter of days, which leads to high yields and a scalable option for the exploding plant-based movement.
Dr Matthew Van Ert, chief scientific officer, Parabel, concluded, “Parabel’s hydroponic systems represent a scalable and potentially revolutionary platform to produce highly nutritious plant foods that contain bioactive vitamin B12 forms. Along with partners, we will begin conducting bioavailability studies to determine the effectiveness of water lentils as a natural, plant-based solution to address vitamin B12 deficiencies.”
