The German Society for Nutrition said that the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency is higher in the elderly and people who follow a vegetarian diet.
The association added that the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency also rises in people who suffer from stomach diseases such as atrophic gastritis and resection of the stomach or part of it, or chronic bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency.
Also, taking acid blockers (antacids) or stomach protectors (proton pump inhibitors) over a long period increases the chances of vitamin B12 deficiency in the body.
Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency are persistent fatigue, general weakness, anemia, and nerve and muscle problems. Since vitamin B12 is important for nerve health, blood building, and cell regeneration.
The association explained that the body of an adult person needs vitamin B12 at a rate of 4.0 micrograms per day, noting that women need vitamin B12 at a rate of 4.5 micrograms per day during pregnancy and at a rate of 5.5 micrograms per day during breastfeeding.
