Extended Essay

The Extended Essay (EE) is a core requirement of the IB Diploma Programme that involves writing an independent, self-directed research paper of up to 4,000 words. It encourages students to explore a topic of personal interest within one of their IB subjects and develop university-level research, analysis, and writing skills.

For my Extended Essay in Biology, I investigated the question: What are the effects of a vegetarian diet on the vitamin levels of a pregnant mother? I explored how a plant-based diet can influence key nutrients—such as vitamin B12, iron, and folate—during pregnancy, and what implications this might have for both maternal and fetal health. My research included a review of scientific literature and current dietary guidelines, with a focus on nutritional balance and supplementation strategies for expecting mothers following a vegetarian lifestyle.