Veganism and hypercoagulable state - hyperhomocysteinemia presenting as pulmonary thrombo-embolism in a vegetarian living at high altitude

Abstract

Hyperhomocysteinemia as a hypercoagulable state has been debatable, but when associated with other high-risk factors like severe vitamin B12 and folate deficiency, smoking, high altitude, and antiphospholipid syndrome can present with thromboembolism. Vegans are at high risk of severe B12 deficiency as the primary source is animal products. Right now, the total number of vegans, vegetarians, and all related categories, is close to 14 per cent of the world population. We here present a young vegan with severe B12 deficiency presenting with sub-massive thromboembolism.