A young woman studying at a university tragically took her own life due to delusional beliefs linked to her vegan diet, as determined by a recent inquest.

Georgina Owen, 21, from Saffron Walden, Essex, embraced veganism in 2016 out of environmental concerns, leading to a deficiency in vitamin B12 which is commonly found in animal products. The coroner, Elizabeth Gray, stated that in August 2019, Georgina’s family observed that she had neglected to take her necessary vitamin B12 supplements for at least six months.

Miss Owen, who acknowledged forgetting to take the supplements, sadly ended her life through suicide in September 2019 after displaying erratic behavior.

She was scheduled to resume her studies at Swansea University on September 19 that year but was discovered at her residence with a note. Despite efforts by emergency services to revive her, she passed away at Addenbrooke’s Hospital on September 21.

Ms. Gray mentioned that Georgina had informed her family about purchasing an organic B12 supplement from Canada, prescribed at 1mg once daily via oral spray. The family provided diaries indicating Georgina’s unusual behavior and declining mental health leading up to her death.

The coroner highlighted that a psychiatrist concluded Georgina’s diary entries did not explicitly show intent to end her life but suggested signs of mental illness and delusions likely triggered by vitamin B12 deficiency.

Blood tests confirmed a vitamin B12 deficiency, attributed to Georgina’s vegan diet spanning three years, leading the coroner to conclude that delusional beliefs resulting from the deficiency played a role in her decision to end her life.

The coroner also noted an expert report indicating cognitive impairment, anxiety, and other symptoms reported by Georgina’s family before her death hinted at a developing psychiatric disorder culminating in the delusions expressed in her final letter.

Described as vibrant and well-liked by her peers and lecturers, Georgina, a geography student at Swansea University, had plans to go surfing before her untimely death.

Vitamin B12, vital for various bodily functions, is commonly found in animal products and fortified foods. The NHS warns that a deficiency can lead to psychological issues, fatigue, muscle weakness, and vision problems.

If you or someone you know needs support, contact Samaritans at 116 123 in the UK and Ireland. You can also reach out via email at jo@samaritans.org.