Georgina Owen, aged 21, was found dead at her home in Essex in September 2019 after experiencing severe mental health problems connected to a vitamin B12 deficiency caused by her vegan diet, a coroner has ruled.
The student’s tragic death underscores the urgent need for greater awareness about the nutritional risks associated with strict veganism.
Georgina had followed a vegan lifestyle for three years but had not taken her B12 supplements for at least six months prior to her death. Her health deteriorated as the deficiency led to delusions, paranoia, and psychosis.
Coroner Elizabeth Gray noted Georgina’s “unusually erratic behaviour” and referenced the worsening of her mental health, which was documented in her personal diaries. Although there were plans to provide mental health support and for Georgina to continue her studies in Wales, her condition worsened.
On the day Georgina was found hanging at her home, her family intended to help her recover. Tragically, she died two days later in hospital.
The coroner concluded that the B12 deficiency, caused by her vegan diet and lack of supplementation, contributed to her death.
Vitamin B12 is naturally found in meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products, with an average adult requiring around 1.5 micrograms daily. Health experts advise those following a vegan diet to take supplements to prevent serious deficiencies and related mental health issues.
Originally published by UKNIP.
