Page 56 - Seniorstoday January 2024 Issue
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age of 14 should consume 2.4 micrograms Approximately 6% of adults aged 60 or
(mcg) of vitamin B12 daily. Pregnant people younger have vitamin B12 deficiency. The
should consume 2.6 mcg, and lactating rate jumps to 20% in people older than 60.
people 2.8 mcg. Some possible causes of vitamin B12
deficiency:
Who is at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency? • Pernicious anaemia
Even though vitamin B12 is found in a An autoimmune disease that affects the
variety of foods, some people are at an gut’s ability to digest vitamin B12.
increased risk of developing B12 deficiency The immune system creates antibodies
or insufficiency. Groups at an increased that attack and damage cells that produce
risk include: intrinsic factor, without which the
• a vegetarian or vegan intestines will be unable to absorb vitamin
• age 60 or over B12.
• people taking acid-suppressing drugs • Bowel problems
• people on metformin for diabetes Conditions that affect the stomach or small
• those suffering a chronic digestive intestine, such as Crohn’s disease, celiac
disorder such as Crohn’s, celiac disease, or disease,
irritable bowel syndrome Surgery can result in malnutrition
• people with an eating disorder because the patients cannot absorb enough
• those who have had weight loss surgery vitamins, water, and other nutrients.
• people having H. pylori, the bacteria that • Diet
causes ulcers People who follow a vegan or vegetarian
• people who take excessive alcohol or diet may have a higher risk of B12
nitrous oxide deficiency.
• HIV-positive patients Unless a vegan diet is carefully planned,
A deficiency or insufficiency can occur it is difficult to get enough vitamin B12
when levels of vitamin B12 become too through plant foods alone. While some
low to meet the demands of the body. This plant foods contain vitamin B12, it is often
happens if a person does not consume in a form that the body cannot absorb
enough of the vitamin in their diet or if efficiently.
their body cannot absorb it effectively • Medications
during digestion; it can lead to a number Some medications such as antacids can
of symptoms and can even progress to affect the body’s ability to digest vitamin
irreversible neurological issues if left B12, leading to a deficiency.
untreated. PPIs prevent the stomach from producing
acid, but the body needs acid to absorb
vitamin B12.
• Alcohol
People with chronic alcohol use disorder
may lack vitamin B12, as their bodies may
not absorb nutrients efficiently.
• Functional vitamin B12 deficiency
Some people appear to have enough
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