Marmite could prevent miscarriages and birth defects, study shows

Written by Jenny Cook & Dean Jones on May 23, 2022. Posted in Current News

Love it or hate it, it turns out that marmite is actually pretty good for our health.

Earlier this year we reported that the salty breakfast staple has been shown to boost brain function, and now it seems that it may also be beneficial for pregnant women and their unborn babies, too.

A 12-year Australian study has concluded that marmite can reduce the risk of miscarriage and birth defects, as the high levels of vitamin B3 it contains work to treat molecular deficiencies in pregnant women.

The research

Scientists used genetic sequencing on women who had experienced miscarriages and birth defects with their babies and found a specific gene mutation that affected the production of the NAD (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide) molecule – a deficiency of which can cause damage to the development of a foetus.

Following tests on mice with the same genetic mutation, it was discovered that a supplementation of the common vitamin B3 had a positive effect – allowing the mice to produce live, healthy offspring. It is now hoped that humans could benefit in similar ways from boosted B3 consumption. Lead researcher Professor Sally Dunwoodie said:

“The ramifications [of this discovery] are likely to be huge. This has the potential to significantly reduce the number of miscarriages and birth defects around the world and I do not say those words lightly… [Our findings] provide new hope to the one in four pregnant women who suffer a miscarriage.”

Up your intake

So, where does marmite come into this? Well, the spread contains extremely high levels of vitamin B3, with a single serving containing 36% of the recommended daily allowance – potentially marking it out as a priority product for pregnant women the world over. But don’t worry if you’re a hater – leafy green vegetables, coffee and broccoli also contain high levels of B3.

Top ten B3 foods…

• Marmite
• Turkey
• Tuna
• Mushrooms
• Broccoli
• Asparagus
• Veal
• Peanuts
• Coffee
• Chicken

However, more research needs to be done before any concrete recommendations can be made as to how women should consume B3 (a supplement is probably preferable to food, for example) but, for now, upping your daily dietary intake of the stuff is a good place to start. Time to indulge those marmite cravings!

……

I first discovered Marmite when I was stationed in England during the 1980s on an Air Force Base in an area near London. Enchanted with British foodstuffs I was determined to try everything I could get my hands on. Like many people who encounter Marmite for the first time I put far too much of it on my toast and was instantly both repulsed and attracted to the substance.

I was determined to crack the code. I spread it on toast in a thinner layer and it definitely tasted better. A layer of butter -then a dab of Marmite also tasted pretty good. Marmite and Peanut Butter was another hit, as was Marmite on Cheese. Marmite on British Cheddar is a perennial favorite of mine on fresh-baked bread.

What is Marmite? Marmite is, in essence, an edible spread to be used on toast, crackers or vegetables. It’s made from a yeast extract that is a by-product of brewing beer. It has a strong taste, unlike anything you might imagine. I have often likened it to Boullion, Worchester Sauce, or Soy Sauce — but all of these descriptions miss the mark. It is definitely a “Little dab ‘ll do ya” food.

The consistency of Marmite is sticky and unctuous dark brown paste that clings to the knife is spread with. While the consistency of Marmite likens itself to Peanut Butter, one would not be tempted to eat a spoon of it out of the Jar. None of these descriptors make it sound inviting — however despite my initial hesitation about it, I grew to love Marmite and over the years have become adept at eating it in different ways.

Due to the love of Marmite in England, there are several products now being sold to its fans. You can purchase not only Marmite in various size jars but also aged Marmite XO, Guinness Marmite, Marmite Crisps, Marmite Crackers, Twiglets crackers with Marmite Flavor, Marmite Chocolate, Marmite Peanut Butter, and several other foodstuffs all flavored with our beloved Marmite.

I have seen several recipes using Marmite over the years. Nigella Lawson as an example has her infamous “Spaghetti with Marmite” Recipe. I have seen it used more than once as an ingredient on the TV show “The Great British Bake-off”

What to do with Marmite?

• Marmite on Toast with a soft poached egg on top.
• Marmite on Toast with baked beans on top.
• A Tablespoon of Marmite mixed with cream cheese and spread on Celery or used as a dip for crudites.
• Saute Mushroom in a small amount of butter, after the mushrooms begin to carmelize add a teaspoon of Marmite and allow to continue to saute. Eat on toast points or with a main dish.
• Marmite added to melted butter and added to vegetables that are then roasted in the oven until caramelized and well cooked.
• Add Marmite to a Grilled Cheese Sandwich
• Add a teaspoon of Marmite to Brownie batter before baking or Chocolate Cake batter for added flavor and interest.
• Add Marmite to melted butter and toss with mixed nuts. Bake nuts at 350 until golden. The Marmite adds a salty earthy flavor. Magnificent with Walnuts and Pecans and very good with Cashews.

Spread a thin layer of Marmite on two toasted bread slices. Spread a layer of Mayo on one of the slices covered with the marmite. Lay slices of bacon on both of the slathered toast slices. Lay a slice of Tomato over one of the slices, add the lettuce. Salt and pepper the tomato. Close Sandwich and cut crosswise. Enjoy with a handful of crisps, a pickle and a nice pint of Stout.

Marmite can be purchased in the United States in many quality grocery stores and can also be purchased at Cost Plus World Imports. You can look up Marmite on Amazon.com and find a world of Marmite products that you can have delivered to your home. I adore the small packets of Marmite you can take in your lunch or add to a picnic basket. Squeeze Marmite is also sold if you prefer.

See more here: netdoctor.co.uk

and here: medium.com

Header image: Malcolm Famer

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