Causes of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
It’s important to be aware of the Causes of Vitamin B12 Deficiency to avoid its harmful health sequences. Vitamin B12, which is an essential nutrient, plays a vital role in maintaining the health of our nervous system, brain function, and the formation of red blood cells. Therefore, a deficiency in this vitamin can lead to a wide range of health problems, from anemia to neurological disorders. Its deficiency is most commonly associated with a vegetarian diet, it can also be caused by a variety of other factors. In this article, we will explore some of the causes of vitamin B12 deficiency and their impact on our health.
Inadequate Intake of Vitamin B12
A- Deficient Dietary Intake
One of the most common causes is an inadequate dietary intake of this vitamin. This is especially true for people who follow a vegan or vegetarian diet, as vitamin B12 is primarily found in products from animal sources. Plant-based foods like mushrooms, nutritional yeast, and fortified cereals can provide some vitamin B12, but not enough to meet the daily requirements.
B- Absorption and utilization problems
Different causes can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency including surgical causes, medical conditions, alcoholism, and some medications. Also aging can impair absorption.
1- Medcia conditions:
People who have undergone weight loss surgery or have conditions that affect nutrient absorption, such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or pernicious anemia, may also have difficulty absorbing enough vitamin B12 from food. In such cases, it may be necessary to take vitamin B12 supplements or injections.
2- Chronic Alcoholism
Chronic alcoholism is another surprising cause of vitamin B12 deficiency. Alcohol can interfere with the absorption and utilization of vitamin B12, leading to its deficiency. Additionally, people who abuse alcohol may not consume a balanced diet, which can further contribute to the deficiency.
A study published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine found that alcoholics were three times more likely to have vitamin B12 deficiency than non-alcoholics. If you struggle with alcoholism, it is important to seek medical help to address this issue to prevent a vitamin B12 deficiency.
3- Certain Medications
There are several medications that can interfere with the absorption and utilization of vitamin B12, leading to its deficiency. These medications include certain antibiotics, such as chloramphenicol and tetracycline, as well as medications used to treat acid reflux and heartburn, like proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2 blockers.
These medications can interfere with the production of stomach acid, which is necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12. Therefore, If you take these medications regularly, it is required to have your vitamin B12 levels checked and take supplementation if needed.
| Medication | Purpose | Effect on Vitamin B12 Absorption |
|---|---|---|
| ChloramphenicolTetracycline | Antibiotic | Interferes with absorption |
| Om, eprazole, Lansoprazole | Proton Pump Inhibitor | Reduces stomach acid, affecting absorption |
| Ranitidine, Famotidine | H2 Blocker | Reduces stomach acid, affecting absorption |
| Metformin | Diabetes medication | Reduces absorption |
| Colchicine | Gout medication | Interferes with absorption |
4- Aging
As we age, our bodies become less able to absorb nutrients. According to a study published in the Journal of Gerontology, approximately 20% of adults over the age of 50 have a vitamin B12 deficiency. As we age, our stomach acid production decreases, which can make it more difficult to absorb vitamin B12 from food. Additionally, older adults are more likely to have underlying medical conditions or take medications that can interfere with vitamin B12 absorption.
5- Gastrointestinal Surgery
the stomach and small intestine are where vitamin B12 is absorbed, therefore certain types of gastrointestinal surgery, such as weight loss surgery or surgeries that remove part of the stomach or intestine, may interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12. For those with gastrointestinal surgery, taking vitamin B12 supplements or injections can help.
6- Genetic Factors
Some people are genetically predisposed to vitamin B12 deficiency. This is because of a condition known as pernicious anemia, caused by genetic factors, in which the body is unable to absorb vitamin B12 properly.
SUMMARY
One of the most common causes, of Vvitamin B12 deficiency is an inadequate dietary intake of this vitamin. This can but due to eating not enough of this vitamin or due to the vitamin not being absorbed and utilized properly. if your experience symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency, You may undergo laboratory testing to find out the vitamin status.
