Avaliação da memória associada à ingestão de vitamina B12 entre estudantes vegetarianos e onívoros da Universidade Federal da Paraíba

Abstract

Vitamin B12, an essential nutrient for cognitive functions such as memory, is primarily obtained from animal sources. The growing interest in vegetarian diets among university students raises concerns about possible nutritional deficiencies and their impacts on cognition. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between vitamin B12 intake and memory performance in vegetarian and omnivorous students at the Federal University of Paraíba (UFPB). This is a descriptive-exploratory research with a quantitative approach, conducted with 103 students (17 vegetarians and 86 omnivores), selected from a convenience sample. Data were collected through questionnaires on health, food frequency, and memory (PRMQ-10), after approval by the Research Ethics Committee. The information was analyzed descriptively, using chi-square test for memory-related variables. Results showed that vegetarians had a higher prevalence of previous vitamin B12 deficiency (23.5%) and iron deficiency (70.6%) compared to omnivores (10.5% and 17.4%, respectively). Regarding B12 consumption, 35.3% of vegetarians showed inadequate intake (<8.4 mcg/week), 29.4% partial intake (8.4 to 16.7 mcg), and 35.6% adequate intake (≥16.8 mcg/week). In the omnivore group, 25.6% had inadequate intake, 34.9% partial intake, and 39.5% adequate intake. Concerning memory assessment using PRMQ-10, 70.6% of vegetarians and 73.3% of omnivores showed high memory complaints, with no significant difference between groups (p=0.821). It is concluded that, although vegetarians present a higher risk of nutritional deficiency, the self-perception of memory was similar in both groups, suggesting the influence of external factors, such as academic stress. The study reinforces the importance of ensuring the adequacy of essential nutrients, regardless of the dietary pattern adopted. Future longitudinal research, with biochemical assessments and standardized cognitive tests, will be necessary to elucidate more precisely the relationship between vegetarian diet, nutritional status, and memory performance in university populations.