Health, Life

9 Signs And Symptoms Of A Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Who is at Risk of Developing Vitamin B12 Deficiency?

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Vitamin B12 naturally occurs in animal products, such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and dairy. However, it can not be found in plants, which puts vegetarians and vegans at a higher risk of having a vitamin B12 deficiency. Moreover, pregnancy and lactation may make this deficiency even worse in vegans. If you are in either group, you should take extra care by taking a vitamin B12 supplement or eating grains, such as those found in bread and cereal, that are fortified with the vitamin.

Older people are also at a greater risk of vitamin B12 deficiency since aging often causes a cutback in the production of stomach acid, which is needed to absorb vitamin B12.

The autoimmune disease called pernicious anemia, which affects the blood, may lead to a lack of vitamin B12. Those suffering from this condition may not be producing enough intrinsic factor, also known as gastric intrinsic factor, which is a protein in the stomach that helps the body absorb cobalamin in the small intestine.

Certain conditions such as celiac or Crohn’s disease interfere with nutrient absorption. Gastritis and inflammatory bowel disease may also affect the absorption of nutrients. Those suffering from such diseases might be unable to absorb enough vitamin B12 to meet their needs.

Chronic alcoholism can also affect the body’s ability to absorb nutrients, including vitamin B12.

People who have had their small intestine surgically shorted are also at a greater risk of developing vitamin B12 deficiency, as they might not be able to absorb the vitamin properly.

Using drugs that are commonly prescribed to treat heartburn can also lead to problems with the absorption of vitamin B12. These medications reduce the acid produced in the stomach.

Moreover, people taking metformin to treat their diabetes may also find their levels of vitamin B12 lowered. The drug may affect how the vitamin is absorbed.

Those in these higher risk groups should be watchful of any signs that they might be lacking in vitamin B12.