Ali Niklewicz
About
My research project
The utility of genetic risk communication in vitamin B12 deficiency for vegan women of reproductive ageMy PhD project explores the utility of communicating "genetic risk" information within a public health setting, specifically within the context of vitamin B12 deficiency in vegan women of reproductive age. My project investigates precision nutrition in public health, which aims to formulate policy by removing the one-size fits all paradigm. Vegan pregnant women are at a higher risk of vitamin B12 deficiency due to the increased demand for B12 during pregnancy/lactation and the absence of vitamin b12 in unfortified plant-based foods. However, the current policy and UK recommended daily intake of vitamin B12 for pregnant women or women of reproductive age does not consider the increased demand during these times. Further yet, it does not reflect the additional risk of plant-based diets. Therefore, my project aims to investigate whether personalised (genetic risk scores) nutrition information could mitigate the risk of B12 deficiency in vegan women, using risk communication techniques and if it could apply to public health.
Supervisors
My PhD project explores the utility of communicating "genetic risk" information within a public health setting, specifically within the context of vitamin B12 deficiency in vegan women of reproductive age. My project investigates precision nutrition in public health, which aims to formulate policy by removing the one-size fits all paradigm. Vegan pregnant women are at a higher risk of vitamin B12 deficiency due to the increased demand for B12 during pregnancy/lactation and the absence of vitamin b12 in unfortified plant-based foods. However, the current policy and UK recommended daily intake of vitamin B12 for pregnant women or women of reproductive age does not consider the increased demand during these times. Further yet, it does not reflect the additional risk of plant-based diets. Therefore, my project aims to investigate whether personalised (genetic risk scores) nutrition information could mitigate the risk of B12 deficiency in vegan women, using risk communication techniques and if it could apply to public health.