2023-10-20 04:00:00
Written by Fatima Khalil Friday, October 20, 2023 07:00 AM Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is an essential water-soluble vitamin essential for various body functions. It plays a pivotal role in DNA synthesis, nerve function, and red blood cell production. Despite its importance, many people around the world suffer from vitamin B12 deficiency, a condition that can have serious health consequences, and many people are unable to maintain their level. Vitamin B12 In the body even after taking nutritional supplements, according to the Times of India website.
Causes of vitamin B12 deficiency despite taking supplements
Lack of food intake
One of the main causes of vitamin B12 deficiency is poor food intake. Vitamin B12 is found naturally in animal products such as meat, fish, eggs, and dairy products. Vegetarians, who avoid or restrict their consumption of animal products, are particularly at risk. Over time, a diet lacking in these sources of vitamin B12 can lead to deficiency.
Diseases that prevent the absorption of vitamin B12
Even if an individual’s diet contains an adequate amount of vitamin B12, malabsorption disorders can hinder the absorption of this important nutrient. Conditions such as pernicious anemia, atrophic gastritis, and celiac disease can damage the stomach or small intestine, reducing the body’s ability to absorb vitamin B12 effectively. Individuals with these conditions often need special treatment or nutritional supplements to maintain their vitamin B12 levels.
Insufficient stomach acid
Stomach acid plays a vital role in releasing vitamin B12 from food, allowing it to bind to intrinsic factor, a glycoprotein in the stomach. This compound is essential for absorption in the small intestine. Conditions that reduce stomach acid, such as acid reflux or the use of certain medications, can hinder this process and lead to vitamin B12 deficiency.
Gastrointestinal surgery
Individuals who have had gastrointestinal surgery, especially weight loss procedures, may be at greater risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. This is because certain parts of the stomach and small intestine may be altered or removed during surgery, reducing the body’s ability to absorb vitamin B12.
some medicine
Some medications can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb vitamin B12. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), commonly prescribed to treat acid reflux, have been linked to decreased absorption of vitamin B12. Individuals who take these medications for long periods should be monitored for possible deficiency and may require supplementation.
Aging
Older people are more susceptible to vitamin B12 deficiency due to various factors. With age, the stomach lining can become thinner, leading to decreased acid production. In addition, many older adults have difficulty absorbing vitamin B12 from their diet. Regular checkups and nutritional supplements are often recommended for older adults.
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