With diet being a significant part of life, researchers of the University have been working extensively towards understanding the concerns regarding missing vitamin B12 in regular plant-based diets, and in line with this have come up with a new solution, “vitamin B12-enriched vegan milk made from mango seed kernels”. This breakthrough could significantly improve the health of people choosing a vegan lifestyle. In the development processes, the researchers of PU include firstly cleaning the mango seed kernel and soaking it in hot water for about 12 hours. After removing the skin, it is then crushed in hot water, filtering out the solid parts, and what remains is the basic vegan milk. This liquid is then batch pasteurized at 63°C for 30 minutes, cooled to 4°C, and packed in PET bottles.

There are nearly 1000 mango varieties in India. However, only about 20 varieties are grown commercially in India. We used Alphonso mango seed kernel: This is one of the choicest varieties of the country.

Composition of mango kernel seed milk:

Requirement of Vitamin B12 :

The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA), for vitamin B12 is determined based on the amount needed to maintain blood health and achieve levels of vitamin B12 in the bloodstream. The suggested intake assumes that 50 percent of the vitamin will be absorbed. For adults it is recommended to consume 2.4 μg of vitamin B12 . Considering that a significant portion (around 10 to 30 percent) of individuals may have difficulty in absorbing vitamin B12, it is advisable for those aged 50 and above to primarily meet their RDA by consuming foods enriched with vitamin B12 or by taking a supplement containing this nutrient.

Why is It Important

Health and Wellness: This vegan milk ensures that those embracing plant-based and vegan lifestyles get the nutrients they need, promoting their overall health and well-being and additionally, an intake of Vitamin B12, is crucial for neurological health and it also goes on to provide for the overall well-being of the people.
Accessibility: Mango trees are all over the place, making the source of this milk easily available and affordable. This means more people can benefit from a nutrition point of view.
Environmental Sustainability: Using mango seed kernels for plant-based milk is eco-friendly, reducing the environmental impact of traditional dairy farming. It's a win for sustainability and ethics in food production.
Agricultural Impact: Mango farmers can now earn more by using seed kernels, potentially uplifting rural economies and strengthening agriculture. While the innovation opens new avenues for mango farmers, it might require adjustments in agricultural practices. Farmers may need to adapt to new cultivation methods, potentially affecting those who were primarily engaged in traditional farming or other forms of agriculture.
Technology Adoption: Technology Adoption: Making this milk may involve advanced tech, requiring workers in the food industry to learn new methods. It's also a chance for entrepreneurs to start new ventures.
National Nutrition Solutions: In India and globally, where B12 deficiency is common, this milk could be a locally sourced solution, potentially improving public health at global level. It's not just for one place - in areas where B12 deficiencies are common, this mango seed kernel milk can help improve public health globally.

Research at PU has been centered on providing effective solutions which can overly promote the growth and development of both academia and the nation. This breakthrough in plant-based milk production shows the University researchers’ dedication to creating positive social change. The goal behind this research is to ensure not only the nutritional benefits for plant-based options but it also serves as a contribution dedicated towards solving the national nutrition challenges.