Anthea V. Hayes’ The Enigma of Vitamin B12 takes a sledgehammer to conventional wisdom about nutrition, especially the gospel surrounding vitamin B12. From the first chapter, Hayes lays out her central thesis: the B12 deficiency narrative is a blend of fearmongering, marketing spin, and outdated science. Through 27 chapters filled with historical anecdotes, scientific skepticism, and a healthy dose of snark, she questions everything from how B12 was “discovered” to why vegans are practically required to carry supplement bottles like holy relics.

The writing in this book is energetic, fast-paced, and at times overwhelming in its intensity. Hayes is unapologetically direct, and her strongest moments come when she dissects the inconsistencies and contradictions embedded in mainstream nutritional narratives. She establishes her tone and position clearly, likening vitamin B12 to a mythical creature and challenging the paradox that a diet widely regarded as the healthiest would supposedly lead to illness without synthetic supplementation derived from sources as unappetizing as sewage bacteria or cow byproducts. Her use of sarcasm is sharp and deliberate, particularly when critiquing the commercialization of B12 through novel delivery systems like vape pens.

Hayes situates the discussion of vitamin B12 within a broader exploration of trust, fear, and institutional influence. She presents the well-known “100 Symptoms of B12 Deficiency” list, ranging from minor ailments like bad breath to severe psychiatric conditions such as psychosis, as a striking example of overreach. The sheer breadth of symptoms, she argues, undermines the credibility of the diagnosis and begins to resemble a marketing strategy rather than a genuine medical concern. Hayes further examines the intersection of health messaging and corporate profit, tracing the financial motivations behind food fortification and supplement promotion. Her analysis, particularly of propaganda techniques inspired by Edward Bernays, casts a troubling light on how fear is strategically leveraged to market what she provocatively terms “cyanide snake oil.”

There are, however, moments when the book approaches a conspiratorial tone. At times, the narrative borders on a sweeping distrust of institutional authority, particularly where Hayes challenges the very classification of B12 as a vitamin. Despite these more provocative assertions, the work remains intellectually engaged and thoroughly researched. Hayes supports her arguments with historical documentation, citations from scientific literature, and a clear acknowledgment that the development of nutritional science has been influenced as much by economic interests as by empirical evidence.

The Enigma of Vitamin B12 is equal parts nutrition exposé, vegan manifesto, and psychological wake-up call. It’s not for someone looking for gentle reassurance. But if you’re a skeptical thinker, a frustrated vegan tired of being told your diet is “unnatural,” or just someone who likes to challenge dogma, this book will resonate with you. It made me laugh, it made me mad, and most importantly, it made me think.

Pages: 308 | ASIN : B0FD7R94NV