A university student who adopted a vegan diet developed a severe vitamin B12 deficiency that contributed to her experiencing delusional beliefs, an inquest has determined. Georgina Owen, 21, a student at Swansea University, had eliminated meat and dairy from her diet in 2016, motivated by environmental concerns.

In 2019, Owen was found unconscious at her home in Saffron Walden, Essex, and later died in hospital. The coroner, Elizabeth Gray, noted that Owen's family observed unusual and erratic behavior prior to her death. Based on the evidence, Gray concluded that Owen most likely suffered from delusions caused by a vitamin B12 deficiency stemming directly from her dietary choices.

Vitamin B12, a nutrient primarily obtained from animal-based products such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy, is essential for neurological function. The National Health Service recognizes that deficiencies in B12 can lead to various psychological symptoms, including cognitive disturbances and mood changes.

The inquest highlighted the potential health risks associated with restrictive diets that exclude key sources of vital nutrients, underscoring the importance of monitoring nutritional intake when adopting lifestyle changes such as veganism.