Vitamin B12 is one of the essential vitamins for our body that our body needs to function properly. It helps in making red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout our body and also helps to maintain a healthy nervous system.

It is important to get enough vitamin B12 through our food or supplements because the body cannot produce it on its own.

What is Vitamin B12 Deficiency?

Vitamin B12 deficiency is a condition that happens when a person does not get enough vitamin B12 from their diet or when the body is unable to absorb it from food.

This deficiency can lead to anemia, a condition where the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells due to the inability to produce DNA properly. Vitamin B12 deficiency can also cause nerve problems, leading to weakness, numbness, and tingling sensations in the hands and feet, and even depression.

What are the Causes of Vitamin B12 Deficiency?

There are several causes of vitamin B12 deficiency, including:.

: 1. Inadequate Intake of Vitamin B12

Vegans and vegetarians are at higher risk of vitamin B12 deficiency because most of the richest sources of vitamin B12 are animal products.

So, it is essential for vegans and vegetarians to take supplements to ensure they are getting enough vitamin B12.

: 2. Intestinal Disorders

Individuals with certain intestinal disorders, such as Crohn’s disease or celiac disease, may not be able to absorb enough vitamin B12 from their food. This can eventually lead to vitamin B12 deficiency, despite a diet rich in vitamin B12.

: 3. Pernicious Anemia

Pernicious anemia is an autoimmune disorder whereby the body attacks its own cells that are essential for the absorption of vitamin B12.

This leads to the inability to absorb enough vitamin B12 through the intestines, leading to a deficiency of the vitamin in the body.

: 4. Alcoholism

Alcoholism can also lead to vitamin B12 deficiency because excessive alcohol consumption prevents the body from absorbing vitamin B12 from food.

: 5. Medications

Certain medications, such as proton pump inhibitors, reduce stomach acid production, making it hard for the body to absorb vitamin B12 from food.

: 6. Age

As we age, our body’s ability to absorb vitamin B12 from our food also decreases. This can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency in the elderly.

How to Prevent Vitamin B12 Deficiency?

The best way to prevent vitamin B12 deficiency is to consume a diet rich in vitamin B12. Here are some foods that are rich in vitamin B12:.

Beef liver
Clams
Sardines
Eggs
Fortified breakfast cereals
Fortified soy products (tofu and soy milk)
Fortified nutritional yeast
Fortified plant milks (almond, oat, and rice)

If you are vegan or vegetarian and do not consume any animal products, you must take vitamin B12 supplements regularly to avoid the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. You can also eat foods fortified with vitamin B12.

Conclusion

Vitamin B12 is a crucial nutrient for our body’s proper functioning. Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to several health problems, including anemia, nerve problems, and depression.

Inadequate intake of vitamin B12, certain intestinal disorders, pernicious anemia, alcoholism, medications, and age are some of the major causes of vitamin B12 deficiency. To avoid the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency, one should consume a diet rich in vitamin B12 or take supplements regularly.