Introduction

Vitamin B12 plays an essential role in helping the body to make red blood cells and maintain its nervous system. A lack of vitamin B12, often known as a B12 deficiency, can lead to a variety of health issues. These can range from fatigue and depression to more serious issues such as nerve damage, memory loss or anemia. There are a variety of causes of a B12 deficiency. In this article, we’ll discuss some of these causes and the possible solutions for avoiding vitamin B12 deficiency.

Common Causes of Vitamin B12 Deficiency

The most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency is an inability to absorb vitamin B12 from the foods you eat. Intrinsic factor, a naturally occurring protein in your stomach, helps the body to absorb vitamin B12 from the foods you eat. In some people, this protein is missing or not working properly, making it difficult for them to absorb vitamin B12. This is known as pernicious anemia, and it’s a common cause of B12 deficiency.

Another cause of B12 deficiency is dietary restrictions. If you follow a diet that eliminates or restricts foods such as animal products, which are some of the main sources of vitamin B12, you may find that you lack the essential nutrient. Vegans and vegetarians in particular may struggle to get enough vitamin B12 in their diets.

Finally, certain medicines may interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12. If you’re taking certain antibiotics, antacids or proton pump inhibitors, you may be at a higher risk of developing a B12 deficiency.

Avoiding Vitamin B12 Deficiency

If you’re concerned about developing a B12 deficiency, there are steps you can take to ensure that you’re getting enough of the nutrient in your diet. Firstly, you may want to consider taking a multivitamin to make sure that you’re getting all of the essential vitamins and minerals your body needs, including vitamin B12.

If you’re a vegan or vegetarian, you may also want to consider eating fortified foods or taking a supplement, as these are great sources of vitamin B12. Finally, if you’re taking certain drugs which can interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12, you may want to speak to your doctor about alternatives.

Conclusion

Vitamin B12 is essential for a healthy body and a lack of it can cause a number of health issues. Common causes of a B12 deficiency include an inability to absorb the nutrient from the foods you eat, dietary restrictions and certain medications. Thankfully, there are ways to prevent a B12 deficiency and make sure your body is getting the nutrients it needs, including taking a multivitamin, eating fortified foods or taking a supplement.