Levin was born on July 21, 1971, in Montgomery, Alabama. She became a vegan at the age of 24.[1] Levin obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a Master of Science in Nutrition from Bastyr University in 2003.[2][3] She received a specialist certification in sports dietetics from the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.[2]
From 2005 Levin was Director of Nutrition Education for the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine and did research on the connection between plant-based diets and reduced risk of chronic diseases.[2][4] Levin criticized the media for promoting animal source foods rich in saturated fat which increases the risk of heart disease.[5] She promoted a high-fiber diet of fruits, legumes, vegetables, grains, nuts and seeds. Levin advised parents to remove dairy products and processed sugar from their children's diets.[6] She was featured in the 2017 documentary film What the Health.[1]
Levin argued against the use of many dietary supplements which she felt were unnecessary. She commented that Vitamin B12 is the only supplement vegans need.[7] Levin stated that there is no reason for people to consume dairy products as a plant-based diet is a healthier option to meet calcium, potassium, and Vitamin D requirements. This has been disputed by other dietitians who have argued that it is very difficult to get the Recommended Dietary Allowance of 1,000 mg of calcium per day on a plant-based diet without dairy products or supplements.[8]
Levin was a speaker at the 2021 Istanbul Vegfest.[9] She died on July 29, 2022, at her home in Washington, D.C.[1] The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine created two funds in Levin's honour.[10]
