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Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) Deficiency

There are many groups of people who may be at risk of vitamin B12 (cobalamin) deficiency:

• People taking certain medications
  A number of medications block or reduce absorption of vitamin B12 (cobalamin) so people taking them may become deficient, especially if the medication is taken longer term. Supplementation may be needed. People taking any type of medication need to seek medical advice prior to taking any vitamin B12 (cobalamin) supplements to ensure they are appropriate for their individual circumstances.
• People taking potassium supplements
  People taking potassium supplements may require vitamin B12 (cobalamin) supplementation, especially if the potassium is taken at high levels, which can interfere with vitamin B12 (cobalamin) absorption.
• People over 50 years
  People who are over 50 years may have less intrinsic factor being made in the intestines (which is just a natural factor of ageing in many people), while some older people stop making intrinsic factor altogether. This means that the vitamin B12 (cobalamin) in foods eaten could be absorbed at a decreased amount and deficiency may result.
• People who have had a partial stomach removal
  People that have had a part of their stomach or intestines removed may not be able to make enough intrinsic factor to help with the absorption of vitamin B12 (cobalamin) from foods eaten and a vitamin B12 (cobalamin) deficiency may result.
• People who smoke cigarettes
  People who smoke cigarettes tend to have low levels of most of the vitamins, including vitamin B12 (cobalamin) as the body uses the vitamins to try to rid the body of the adverse health effects of the cigarettes, including trying to eliminate the free radicals that are produced.

There are many groups of people who may be at risk of vitamin B12 (cobalamin) deficiency

• Strict vegetarians or vegans
  People who are vegetarians of any type, but especially vegans may not be getting enough (or any at all) vitamin B12 (cobalamin) because this vitamin only occurs in high enough levels in foods of animal sources (or animal products), so a deficiency may occur. It is highly recommended that vegetarians take a vitamin B12 (cobalamin) supplement to help prevent a deficiency.
• Women who are breastfeeding
  Women who are breastfeeding need more vitamin B12 (cobalamin) in their diet because the baby requires so much of it to help with the development of their nerves and for other functions, so the breastfeeding mother may become deficient if she is not eating enough foods to provide at least the recommended daily intake. Supplementation may be required, but only after seeking advice from a doctor.
• Women who are pregnant
  Women who are pregnant need more vitamin B12 (cobalamin) in their diet because the unborn baby requires so much of it to help with the development of their nerves and for other functions, so the pregnant woman may become deficient if she is not eating enough foods to provide at least the recommended daily intake. Supplementation may be required, but only after seeking advice from a doctor.

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