A young woman attending a university tragically ended her life due to delusions linked to her vegan diet, according to a recent inquiry. Georgina Owen, 21, from Saffron Walden, Essex, embraced veganism in 2016 for environmental reasons, which led to a deficiency in vitamin B12, a crucial nutrient commonly found in meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products. In August 2019, her family noticed that she had stopped taking her vitamin B12 supplements for at least six months.
Miss Owen, who acknowledged forgetting to take her supplements, committed suicide in September 2019 after displaying erratic behavior. She was discovered at her residence with a note, where emergency services were able to revive her before transferring her to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, where she passed away two days later.
The coroner, Elizabeth Gray, mentioned that Miss Owen had informed her family about purchasing an organic B12 supplement from Canada, with a prescribed dosage of 1mg once a day via oral spray. The family shared diaries illustrating her unusual behavior and declining mental health leading up to her death.
A psychiatrist noted that while Miss Owen’s diary entries did not indicate a planned suicide, her final note suggested possible mental illness and delusions likely due to vitamin B12 deficiency. Blood tests confirmed a deficiency consistent with her vegan diet over three years, leading the coroner to conclude that her suicide was likely influenced by delusional beliefs stemming from the deficiency.
The expert report highlighted signs of cognitive impairment and mental health issues in the period before her death, indicating a gradual development of a psychiatric disorder. Miss Owen, described as vibrant and well-liked by peers and professors at Swansea University, was set to resume classes and enjoy weekend plans before her tragic demise.
Vitamin B12 plays a vital role in overall health and is primarily found in animal products and fortified foods. The NHS warns that a deficiency can lead to various problems, including psychological issues like depression, anxiety, confusion, and fatigue.
For support, Samaritans offer a 24-hour service for those in need, with contact details available for individuals who prefer written communication or are concerned about privacy.