The Enigma of Vitamin B12 by Anthea V. Hayes

A scathing takedown of a modern myth, The Enigma of Vitamin B12: Nature’s Only Mistake? Fear and Marketing of the Deficiency Myth by Anthea V. Hayes is a passionate plea to rethink our relationship to an essential nutrient. Presenting a critical overview of Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin), the author poses a broad challenge to readers and the medical world at large – is the contemporary worry over vitamin B12 deficiency justified? What follows is a detailed and intense analysis of the vitamin – its place in popular medicine, its increase in visibility due to veganism/vegetarianism, its hidden effects on health, and much more. Demonstrating deep subject knowledge and genuine concern for our collective health, Hayes unmasks the motivations and power behind the rise of this nutrient into the public eye, leading to some fascinating revelations. The author’s writing style is engaging and comfortable, like listening to a well-versed friend discuss their passions; it’s exciting and just scandalous enough to keep listeners curious, or even on the edge of their seats.