Vegan Diet, Vitamin B12 Deficiency, and the Suicide of Georgina Owen: Inquest Findings

A coroner’s inquest concluded that Georgina Owen, a 21-year-old geography student at Swansea University, died from a self-inflicted ligature while, on the balance of probabilities, suffering delusional beliefs caused by a vitamin B12 deficiency that resulted directly from her vegan diet. Coroner Elizabeth Gray noted that psychiatric manifestations of B12 deficiency are medically recognised.

Essex student died after vegan diet caused 'delusions'People MagazineEssexLiveVegan student died ‘suffering delusions linked to deficiency’

Vitamin B12 is naturally present in meat, fish, eggs, dairy products and fortified foods. The NHS warns that deficiency can cause fatigue, muscle weakness, memory problems and a spectrum of psychological issues from depression and anxiety to confusion and dementia. Blood tests after Owen’s death confirmed a B12 deficiency; expert reports linked the deficiency to anxiety, fatigue, cognitive impairment and difficulty making simple decisions, all reported by her family in diaries.

Essex student died after vegan diet caused 'delusions'

• 2016 – Owen adopts a vegan diet for environmental reasons.

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• August 2019 – Family reports she had not taken her B12 supplement for at least six months.

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• 19 Sept 2019 – Found hanging in her Saffron Walden home; a note is discovered.

Vegan student died ‘suffering delusions linked to deficiency’

• 21 Sept 2019 – Dies at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge.

Vegan student died ‘suffering delusions linked to deficiency’

• Inquest (date unspecified) – Conducted in writing; conclusions published.

Essex student died after vegan diet caused 'delusions'

Coroner Elizabeth Gray stated that “psychiatric manifestations caused by vitamin B12 deficiency are recognised.” Swansea University described Owen as “vibrant, full of enthusiasm, passionate and well-liked by her peers and lecturers.” The NHS and the European Journal of Medicine both emphasise that B12 supplementation is essential for plant-based diets; the journal issued a cautionary note urging certified B12 intake at meals. The investigation’s recommendation to screen B12 levels in patients presenting with psychosis reflects broader concerns about inadequate supplementation among vegans.

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• “psychiatric manifestations caused by vitamin B12 deficiency are recognised” — Elizabeth Gray, coroner

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• “In her conclusion, Ms Gray said Miss Owen died from a self-inflicted ligature 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”.” — Elizabeth Gray, coroner

Essex student died after vegan diet caused 'delusions'

• “does provide evidence of a possible mental illness and that on the balance of probabilities, at the time Miss Owen was writing this last note, she was experiencing delusions” — Psychiatrist

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• “As the National Library of Medicine says, "Vitamin B12 deficiency can manifest solely as ATPD (Acute and Transient Psychotic Disorder), particularly in individuals following vegetarian diets.” — National Library of Medicine

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Health authorities advise vegans to use certified B12 supplements or fortified foods to prevent deficiency. Clinicians are urged to test B12 levels when patients present with unexplained psychiatric symptoms. Ongoing public-health messaging seeks to balance dietary choices with nutritional safety.

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