Assessment of vitamin A, vitamin B2, vitamin B12, vitamin K, folate, and choline status following 4 months of multinutrient supplementation in healthy vegans: a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Abstract Purpose The aim of the MultiVeg study, a double-blind, randomised controlled trial (RCT), was to investigate the nutritional status of healthy vegans following 4 months of multinutrient supplementation. Methods A double-blind, RCT was conducted with 72 vegan adults (19–57 years) in Germany. Data on anthropometric parameters, dietary nutrient intake, and nutritional status were collected. The nutritional status of the participants was assessed at baseline and after 4 months. The results were compared between groups using ANCOVA. The results for vitamins and choline are presented here. Results After adjustment for baseline values, age, sex, and multiple testing, no significant between-group differences in biomarker concentration changes from baseline to 4 months were observed for vitamin A, retinol-binding protein, transthyretin, beta-carotene, methylmalonic acid, homocysteine, choline, total osteocalcin, carboxylated and undercarboxylated osteocalcin, and folate. In contrast, significant between-group differences in changes were observed for flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD), serum vitamin B 12 , holotranscobalamin, and the combined vitamin B 12 status indicator (cB 12 ) after adjustment. Conclusion A multinutrient supplement containing 82 µg of vitamin B 12 per day significantly positively affected vitamin B 12 blood biomarkers in healthy vegans. Registration This study was registered in the German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00028151).