The water lentil was demonstrated to contain around 750% of the US recommended daily value of the bioactive forms of Vitamin B12
Image: The water lentil is known as the world's smallest flowering plant. Photo: courtesy of PRNewswire / Parabel USA Inc.
Plant protein ingredients producer Parabel USA has discovered a natural plant-based source of Vitamin B12 in its water lentil crop.
According to Parabel, an independent third-party laboratory testing has confirmed that the company’s water lentil crop and the ingredient Lentein plant protein include the natural bioactive forms of Vitamin B 12 adenosylcobalamin, methycobalamin, and hydroxocobalamin.
The water lentil, which is also known as duckweed, was demonstrated to contain around 750% of the US recommended a daily value of the bioactive forms of Vitamin B12.
Even though natural bioactive forms of Vitamin B12 are available in meats and dairy products, some diets need supplementation of the vitamin, as it is generally absent in plant foods.
The water lentil has been referred to as the world’s most complete food source
The synthetic is the most common supplemental form of Vitamin B12. Many consumers are having concerns over synthetic form.
The water lentil has been specified as the world’s most complete food source due to high levels and quality of protein, vitamins and minerals in the plant, in addition to Vitamin B12.
The quick-grown water lentil crop can double its biomass within days, helping to increase yields and serve as a scalable option for the exploding plant-based movement.
Parabel chief scientific officer Dr Matthew Van Ert said: Parabel’s hydroponic systems represent a scalable and potentially revolutionary platform to produce highly nutritious plant foods that contain bioactive vitamin B12 forms.
“Along with partners, we will begin conducting bioavailability studies to determine the effectiveness of water lentils as a natural, plant-based solution to address vitamin B12 deficiencies.”
Based in Vero Beach of Florida, Parabel USA is involved in the growing and processing of water lentils into Lentein plant protein.
The firm offers plant-based, Non-GMO ingredients via its hydroponic system, as well as works to promote environmental benefits, community investment and global food security.