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Who is at risk for low B12?
Some food for thought right here
Vegans and vegetarians
B12 deficiency can be a concern to vegans and vegetarians. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) showed that “about 42% of US adults are not meeting the estimated average requirement for vitamin B 12 .” Among people over 50 years old, strict vegan or vegetarian diets put one at risk for B12 deficiency.
Older adults
A diet low in B12 can cause fatigue, weakness, constipation, loss of appetite and weight loss (anemia), dementia or memory changes, tingling or numbness in the hands and feet, balance problems or dizziness, heart palpitations (irregular heartbeat).
People without enough stomach acid
The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) showed that “about 42% of US adults are not meeting the estimated average requirement for vitamin B 12 .”
Among people over 50 years old, those with achlorhydria or hypochlorhydria have been found to have B12 deficiencies at much higher rates. Those with achlorhydria or hypochlorhydria have less stomach acid, which is needed to break down B12 from food properly.
People who do not absorb enough vitamin B12 from their diet
