Over half of those who were vegan and 7% of those who were vegetarian had low vitamin B12 levels, compared with under 1% of people who ate meat. Research from 2010 looked at data from 689 men and found higher rates of vitamin B12 deficiency in those who consumed a plant-based diet. Vitamin B12 mainly occurs in animal foods, so people who follow a plant-based diet have a higher risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. Low stomach acid also enables certain bacteria to grow, and these can use up vitamin B12 stores. The scientists found that older adults have a higher risk of conditions linked to reduced stomach acid production, including gastric atrophy. Research from 2015 suggests that vitamin B12 deficiency is more likely to affect those aged over 60 years and that some people may benefit from vitamin B12 injections. This can also affect vitamin B12 absorption. Individuals who have undergone gastrointestinal surgery, including weight loss surgery, may have fewer of the cells necessary to secrete stomach acid and intrinsic factor. overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine.
pernicious anemia, which can lead to gastric atrophy, or damage to the stomach. some hereditary conditions that affect vitamin B12 absorptionĬonditions that affect the gastrointestinal tract may affect vitamin B12 release or absorption. atrophic gastritis, which refers to inflammation in the stomach. The following risk factors can increase the chance of developing vitamin B12 deficiency: numbness and tingling in the hands and feet. People with symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiencyĪnyone who has signs and symptoms of a vitamin B12 deficiency or pernicious anemia should consult a doctor. That said, some people have a higher risk of deficiency and may benefit from vitamin B12 shots or tablets. However, low levels are rare in most healthy adults because the human liver stores vitamin B12 over time. Vitamin B12 shots are only available by prescription following a clinical diagnosis of low levels. Other people who may needs shots include those who have had gastrointestinal surgery if their digestive system cannot absorb vitamin B12 efficiently. These people may need vitamin B12 shots to reduce their risk of deficiency, which can lead to pernicious anemia. Some people’s bodies do not produce enough stomach acid or intrinsic factor if they have a condition known as autoimmune atrophic gastritis. During digestion, stomach acid causes it to separate from the protein, and a substance called intrinsic factor enables the bloodstream to absorb it. In animal-based foods, vitamin B12 binds to the protein molecules. 
Vitamin B12 is present in many dietary sources, such as: Without vitamin B12, a person may start to feel tired and weak due to megaloblastic anemia. Vitamin B12 is an essential water-soluble vitamin that plays a role in many bodily functions, including: Share on Pinterest Imagesines/Getty Images
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