Researchers discover technique to biofortify pea shoots with B12 using ultrasonic aeroponic technology

28 Sep 2023 --- An innovation from UK researchers could make it easier for vegans and vegetarians to get enough vitamin B12 in their diet. Pea shoots, the young leaves of the pea plant, have been biofortified with essential nutrients using a novel technique that involves sound waves and soilless air farming (aeroponics).

The scientists highlight that a single serving of these pea shoots could provide as much vitamin B12 as two portions of beef without any animal products.

The primary source of vitamin B12 in diets comes from animal sources. Deficiency of this vitamin can lead to severe and irreversible damage, particularly to the brain and nervous system.

Aeroponics tech
The researchers from the John Innes Centre, UK, LettUs Grow and the Quadram Institute biofortified the peas using ultrasonic aeroponic technology, growing plants without soil.

“Advances in understanding of how plants interact with their environments, including new horticultural technologies such as vertical farms that use aeroponics, provide exciting opportunities to produce crops that are more nutritious, with less environmental impact,” says Professor Antony Dodd, head of cell and developmental biology at the John Innes Centre.

“By combining expertise in plant sciences, human nutrition and horticultural engineering, we are developing new approaches to address nutritional deficiencies at relatively low cost.” 

Indoor farming has a reduced environmental impact.The type of aeroponics used to grow the biofortified pea shoots is unique to LettUs Grow.

The novel technique uses sound waves to create a fine spray of water and nutrients for the plants. The sound waves are so high-pitched that humans cannot hear them, but they can break up water into tiny droplets. The droplets are then sprayed onto the roots of the pea shoots, giving them precisely what they need to grow.

By adjusting the amount and type of nutrients in the spray, the researchers have boosted the levels of B12 in the pea shoots. 

“Something really exciting about this project in particular is that it is the first time the enhanced yield potential of aeroponics has been combined with the nutrition enhancement of B12 fortification in a way that can be scaled up to commercial volumes,” notes Lilly Manzoni, head of research and development at LettUs Grow.

Vitamin B12, a key nutrient for brain health, has been in the spotlight recently as more consumers seek cognitive enhancement. Vitamin B12 is essential for the synthesis of neurotransmitters, which are chemical messengers that regulate mood, memory and learning.

More nutritious salads  
One of the challenges of following a plant-based diet is getting enough vitamin B12, a vital nutrient. Vitamin B12 deficiency affects millions of people worldwide, especially in developing countries with limited access to nutritious foods. 

However, unlike traditional vitamin supplements, which are often synthetic and may not have the same benefits as whole foods, biofortified crops are integrated into commonly consumed foods that match our dietary habits and cultural preferences. Eating biofortified pea shoots is a convenient alternative to B12 supplementation.

Moreover, biofortified pea shoots are rich in vitamin B12 and contain a range of other beneficial nutrients for our health and well-being. These include vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other phytochemicals that work together to support overall health.

Biofortified crops could be a powerful tool to address malnutrition and improve human and planetary health, especially for those who follow plant-based diets or live in areas where nutrient-rich foods are scarce.

“This is a fascinating development in providing an adequate intake of vitamin B12 to enhance overall health and well-being. B12 plays a crucial role in various bodily functions, including red blood cell formation, nerve function, and DNA synthesis,” says Professor Martin Warren, chief scientific officer at the Quadram Institute.

“Many people, especially those on plant-based diets, are prone to B12 deficiency and insufficiency – and while vitamin B12 supplements are available, some people may find it more convenient and natural to obtain essential nutrients directly from whole foods,” he underscores.

By Marc Cervera