Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient for our body. It plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of our nervous system, red blood cells, and DNA. But many people, particularly older adults and vegetarians, suffer from Vitamin B12 deficiency.

In this article, we’ll discuss eight common causes of Vitamin B12 deficiency.

Cause #1: Poor Diet

The primary source of Vitamin B12 is animal products like meat, fish, eggs, and dairy. If you’re not getting enough of these foods in your diet, then you’re at risk of Vitamin B12 deficiency.

Vegetarians and vegans are particularly at risk, as they don’t consume animal products.

Cause #2: Gastrointestinal Surgery

If you’ve had gastrointestinal surgery, like weight loss surgery or bowel resection, then you’re at risk of Vitamin B12 deficiency. This is because these surgeries can affect the absorption of Vitamin B12 in your gut.

Cause #3: Pernicious Anemia

Pernicious anemia is an autoimmune disorder that affects your stomach lining. This makes it difficult for your body to absorb Vitamin B12 from the food you eat.

Pernicious anemia is more common in older adults and people with a family history of the condition.

Cause #4: Medications

Some medications can interfere with the absorption of Vitamin B12 in your gut. Examples include metformin, which is used to treat type 2 diabetes, and proton pump inhibitors, which are used to treat acid reflux.

Cause #5: Alcoholism

Heavy alcohol consumption can affect the absorption of Vitamin B12 in your gut and increase your risk of Vitamin B12 deficiency.

This is because alcohol can damage your stomach lining and intestines, which can affect the absorption of nutrients like Vitamin B12.

Cause #6: Atrophic Gastritis

Atrophic gastritis is a condition where the lining of your stomach thins, which can affect the absorption of nutrients like Vitamin B12. Atrophic gastritis is more common in older adults and people with a family history of the condition.

Cause #7: Crohn’s Disease

Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease that can affect the absorption of nutrients like Vitamin B12. This is because Crohn’s disease can cause inflammation and damage to your gut lining.

Cause #8: Celiac Disease

Celiac disease is another autoimmune condition that affects your gut. It’s caused by a reaction to gluten, which can damage your gut lining and affect the absorption of nutrients like Vitamin B12.