What Causes a Vitamin B12 Deficiency Mainly?

Vitamin B12 is a necessary ingredient that is important for many body processes, including the generation of red blood cells, DNA synthesis, and the health of nerve cells. B12 deficiency, however, affects a sizable section of the population and is rather prevalent. In this post, we'll examine the primary contributing factors to vitamin B12 deficiency and how they affect general health.

Insufficient dietary intake

Dietary intake is one of the main reasons of vitamin B12 insufficiency. Vitamin B12 must be received from outside sources, such as animal products (meat, fish, and dairy), fortified meals, or supplements, since the human body is unable to manufacture it. People who strictly adhere to vegetarian or vegan diets are especially at risk since plant-based foods do not typically contain enough vitamin B12. Moreover, since their stomachs produce less acid, elderly people may have trouble absorbing vitamin B12 from meals.

Pernicious Anemia:

The autoimmune disease pernicious anemia impairs the body's absorption of vitamin B12. It happens when the immune system targets the stomach cells that produce a protein known as intrinsic factor. The intrinsic factor is required for the small intestine to absorb vitamin B12. As a consequence, vitamin B12 insufficiency occurs in those with pernicious anemia who are unable to efficiently absorb the vitamin from their food.

Gastrointestinal Disorders:

The absorption of vitamin B12 might be hampered by some gastrointestinal conditions. The lining of the small intestine may become damaged by illnesses including celiac disease, Crohn's disease, and inflammatory bowel disease, which makes it more difficult for nutrients like vitamin B12 to be absorbed. The process of absorption may also be interfered with by stomach or intestinal surgeries.

Drugs and Medical Procedures:

The absorption or excretion of vitamin B12 may be affected by a number of prescription drugs and medical procedures. For instance, continuous use of certain antacids may cause the stomach to produce less acid, which may decrease the food's ability to release vitamin B12. In addition, since many medicines and chemotherapy treatments affect the intestinal flora, some people may have lower vitamin B12 levels as a result.

Alcoholism:

Overindulging in alcohol might exacerbate a lack of vitamin B12. The body's capacity to absorb and use nutrients, such as vitamin B12, is hampered by alcohol. Chronic alcoholism often results in inadequate nutritional intake, compromised digestion of nutrients, and liver damage, which may exacerbate vitamin B12 deficiency.

Conclusion

Deficiencies in vitamin B12 can be caused by various factors. Untreated vitamin B12 deficiency may cause a number of health problems, such as anemia, neurological disorders, and weakened immune system.

It's important that you consume a well-balanced diet that contains animal products or foods that have been fortified with vitamin B12 to guarantee healthy vitamin B12 levels. Regular blood testing to check vitamin B12 levels may help identify deficits early and permit the necessary therapies. The primary causes of vitamin B12 insufficiency may be addressed to protect people's general health and wellbeing.

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Created on Jul 1st 2023 15:16. Viewed 124 times.

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