Researchers have successfully grown kale with added vitamin B12 and iodine using hydroponic farming, and according to Gram Research analysis, eating just 67.9 grams of this biofortified kale provides the complete daily recommended amount of both nutrients for adults. The specially treated kale maintained its normal taste and appearance while boosting beneficial plant compounds. However, this technology remains in the research phase—human studies are still needed to confirm that eating this kale actually prevents nutrient deficiencies in vegans.
Scientists have figured out how to grow kale with extra vitamin B12 and iodine—two nutrients that vegans often don’t get enough of. Using a special indoor farming method called hydroponics, researchers treated kale plants with these nutrients before harvest. According to Gram Research analysis, eating just 68 grams (about a small handful) of this special kale gave adults all the B12 and iodine they need for a whole day. The kale still tasted good and looked normal, making it a promising solution for people who follow plant-based diets.
Key Statistics
A 2026 study published in Current Research in Food Science found that 67.9 grams of kale treated with both vitamin B12 and iodine during hydroponic cultivation met the complete daily recommended dietary allowance of both nutrients for adults.
Research from 2026 showed that combining vitamin B12 and iodine treatment during kale cultivation enhanced nutrient accumulation more effectively than treating kale with either nutrient alone.
A 2026 hydroponic farming study demonstrated that biofortifying kale with vitamin B12 and iodine did not negatively affect the plant’s growth, visual quality, or sensory properties compared to untreated kale.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether scientists could add vitamin B12 and iodine to kale plants while they’re growing, so vegans could get these nutrients from eating the kale.
- Who participated: The study focused on kale plants grown in a hydroponic system (plants grown in water instead of soil). While no human participants are mentioned, the findings are designed to help vegans and vegetarians who often lack these nutrients.
- Key finding: A single serving of 67.9 grams of specially treated kale provided the complete daily recommended amount of both vitamin B12 and iodine for adults, without changing how the kale looked or tasted.
- What it means for you: Vegans could potentially get two hard-to-find nutrients from a simple food they might already eat. However, this kale isn’t widely available yet—it’s still in the research stage. Talk to your doctor about whether you need supplements for these nutrients in the meantime.
The Research Details
Researchers grew kale plants using hydroponics, a method where plants grow in nutrient-rich water instead of soil. This method is often used in vertical farms—tall indoor growing systems that stack plants on top of each other to save space. The scientists added two substances to the water: cyanocobalamin (a form of vitamin B12) and potassium iodide (a form of iodine). They tested different amounts and combinations of these nutrients to see which worked best.
The key experiment involved treating kale with both nutrients together at specific doses for one week before harvesting. The researchers then measured how much B12 and iodine the kale absorbed and stored. They also checked whether the plants grew normally, looked good, and tasted the same as regular kale.
This approach is called ‘biofortification’—it means adding extra nutrients to plants while they’re growing. It’s different from just adding vitamins to food after it’s been harvested, because the nutrients become part of the plant itself.
This research matters because vitamin B12 and iodine are essential nutrients that are naturally found mostly in animal products like meat, eggs, and dairy. Vegans and vegetarians who don’t eat these foods often develop deficiencies, which can cause serious health problems like anemia and thyroid issues. By growing plants with these nutrients built in, scientists could help solve this problem without requiring supplements or fortified foods. The hydroponic vertical farming method also matters because it’s becoming more popular for growing food in cities where there’s limited space.
This study was published in a peer-reviewed journal, meaning other scientists reviewed it before publication. However, the research focused only on the plants themselves—no humans actually ate the biofortified kale to test whether their bodies could absorb and use these nutrients. The study also doesn’t specify exactly how many kale plants were tested or provide detailed statistical analysis. These limitations mean the findings are promising but need follow-up human studies to confirm they work in real life.
What the Results Show
When kale was treated with both vitamin B12 and iodine together (at 5 micromoles per liter of each), the plants accumulated significantly more of both nutrients compared to plants treated with just one nutrient alone. This combination treatment was more effective than using either nutrient by itself, suggesting that the two nutrients work better together.
The most important finding was that eating just 67.9 grams (about 2.4 ounces or roughly a small handful) of this specially grown kale provided the complete recommended daily amount of both vitamin B12 and iodine for an adult. This is significant because it means a single serving of a common vegetable could meet two critical nutritional needs for vegans.
The biofortification process also triggered the kale to produce higher levels of beneficial plant compounds called secondary metabolites, including p-coumaric acid and 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid. These compounds have antioxidant properties and may provide additional health benefits beyond just the B12 and iodine.
The study found that adding these nutrients didn’t harm the kale’s growth, appearance, or taste. The plants grew normally, looked visually appealing, and maintained their sensory qualities—meaning they still tasted like regular kale. This is important because a nutritious food is only useful if people will actually eat it. The fact that the biofortification didn’t create any off-flavors or unusual appearance means this approach could realistically be used in commercial farming.
This research builds on earlier work showing that plants can absorb and store added nutrients through their growing medium. However, this is one of the first studies to successfully combine two critical nutrients (B12 and iodine) in a single crop using hydroponic methods. Previous approaches often focused on single nutrients or required different growing techniques. The finding that combination treatment works better than individual treatments is a new insight that could improve future biofortification strategies.
The study has several important limitations. First, no humans actually ate the biofortified kale, so we don’t know if human bodies can absorb and use these nutrients as effectively as the study suggests. Second, the sample size of kale plants tested isn’t clearly reported, making it hard to assess how consistent these results might be. Third, the study doesn’t address how long the added nutrients stay in the kale after harvest or how cooking might affect them. Finally, this method requires specialized hydroponic equipment and controlled conditions, so it may not be practical for all farms or regions.
The Bottom Line
If you’re vegan and concerned about vitamin B12 and iodine, continue using supplements or fortified foods for now, as this biofortified kale isn’t commercially available yet. This research is promising and suggests that in the future, biofortified vegetables could be a practical food-based solution. However, human studies are still needed to confirm that eating this kale actually prevents deficiencies. Moderate confidence: The plant-level findings are strong, but real-world effectiveness in humans remains unproven.
Vegans and vegetarians should pay attention to this research, as it addresses a real nutritional challenge they face. People with iodine deficiency or pernicious anemia (B12 deficiency) should also find this interesting. However, this isn’t yet a replacement for medical treatment or current supplementation strategies. People with normal B12 and iodine levels don’t need to change their diet based on this single study.
This technology is still in the research phase. It will likely take 3-5 years of additional human studies before biofortified kale could become commercially available. Even then, it would probably start in specialty markets or health food stores before becoming widely available. Don’t expect to find this in regular grocery stores soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can vegans get enough B12 and iodine from biofortified kale?
Research shows that 67.9 grams of specially grown biofortified kale provides the complete daily amount of both nutrients. However, this kale isn’t commercially available yet, and human studies confirming absorption are still needed. Vegans should continue using supplements or fortified foods until this technology becomes widely available.
How do scientists add vitamin B12 and iodine to kale plants?
Scientists use hydroponic farming—growing plants in nutrient-rich water instead of soil. They add cyanocobalamin (B12) and potassium iodide (iodine) to the water one week before harvest. The plants absorb these nutrients naturally, similar to how they absorb other minerals.
Does biofortified kale taste different from regular kale?
No. The 2026 study found that adding B12 and iodine didn’t change the kale’s taste, appearance, or texture. The biofortified kale maintained all the sensory qualities of regular kale, making it practical for commercial use.
When will biofortified kale be available in stores?
This technology is still in the research phase. Human studies are needed before commercial production can begin, which typically takes 3-5 years. Biofortified kale will likely appear in specialty markets first before becoming widely available in regular grocery stores.
Is biofortified kale better than taking B12 and iodine supplements?
That’s unclear. While the plant study shows the kale contains adequate nutrients, human studies haven’t yet confirmed how well our bodies absorb and use these nutrients from the kale. For now, supplements remain the most reliable option for vegans with deficiency concerns.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track your daily vitamin B12 and iodine intake using the app’s nutrient tracker. Log your current sources (supplements, fortified foods, or animal products if applicable) and monitor whether you’re meeting recommended daily amounts. Set a goal of 2.4 micrograms of B12 and 150 micrograms of iodine daily.
- If you’re vegan, use the app to identify which foods in your diet already contain B12 and iodine (like fortified plant milks, nutritional yeast, or seaweed). Create a daily reminder to consume these foods, or set a weekly reminder to take your B12 supplement. When biofortified kale becomes available, you can add it to your tracked foods.
- Set up monthly check-ins to review your nutrient intake trends. If you notice you’re consistently below recommended levels, use the app to alert you to increase fortified foods or confirm you’re taking supplements regularly. Share this data with your doctor annually to discuss whether blood tests for B12 and iodine levels are appropriate.
This research describes promising laboratory findings about growing nutrient-enriched kale, but biofortified kale is not yet commercially available. The study did not involve human participants consuming the kale, so actual nutrient absorption in humans remains unproven. Vegans and vegetarians should continue relying on supplements, fortified foods, or medical guidance to meet their vitamin B12 and iodine needs. If you have concerns about nutritional deficiencies, consult with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian before making dietary changes. This article is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.