A coroner has determined that a university student died by suicide while experiencing delusions triggered by a vitamin B12 deficiency resulting from her vegan diet. Georgina Owen, 21, from Saffron Walden in Essex, had adhered to a plant-based diet for three years before her death in September 2019.
Background and Findings
The University of Swansea student, described as 'vibrant and full of enthusiasm', suffered from a B12 deficiency in the final months of her life, which can cause psychosis and paranoia. Elizabeth Gray, area coroner for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, noted that Georgina exhibited 'unusually erratic behaviour' during that period, and her diary entries indicated a 'deterioration' in her mental health. In a narrative conclusion, the coroner ruled that the student died while 'on the balance of probabilities suffering delusional beliefs brought about by a Vitamin B12 deficiency developed as a direct result of her vegan diet'.
Medical Context and Family Testimony
The NHS states that adults require approximately 1.5 micrograms of vitamin B12 daily. This nutrient is found in meat, fish, milk, and eggs, and is difficult to obtain through an exclusively vegan diet, necessitating supplements or fortified foods. Georgina's family told the inquest that she had mentioned 'forgetting' to take her supplements but had purchased an 'organic' B12 spray from Canada. However, blood samples taken after her death revealed a deficiency in the micronutrient.
A report by three experts noted that Georgina exhibited 'vague signs of cognitive impairment, anxiety, difficulty with simple decision-making and fatigue'. The report added that her symptoms were indicative of a 'gradually developing psychiatric disorder culminating in the delusional beliefs' expressed in a note found with her body.
Family's Efforts and Tragic Outcome
Georgina's father, Julian, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon, told the newspaper before the inquest conclusion that he 'strongly suspected' a B12 deficiency 'may well have had a role to play' in her death. The inquest heard that the family had arranged psychological support for what they believed was anxiety and planned to drive her back to Wales to resume her studies on September 19, 2019. However, they found her having attempted to take her life at home that day, and she died at Cambridge's Addenbrooke's Hospital two days later.
Support Resources
For emotional support, the Samaritans 24-hour helpline is available at 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, or visit a Samaritans branch in person. PAPYRUS offers specialized suicide prevention support for young people via HOPELINE247, open every day of the year, 24 hours a day, at 0800 068 4141, text 88247, or email pat@papyrus-uk.org.
This tragic case highlights the critical importance of proper nutrition and supplementation for individuals following vegan diets, particularly regarding vitamin B12 intake.
