Vitamin B12 deficiency is one of the common nutritional deficiencies globally. Contrary to popular belief, it is not only vegans that may develop a vitamin B12 deficiency. Even vegetarians and meat eaters are at risk under certain circumstances and with certain conditions. Without proper nutrition or supplementation, low levels of vitamin B12 can have widespread effects on the body and some of these can be serious. Who is at risk? Vitamin B12 is abundant in animal foods. This includes meat, poultry, fish and seafood, eggs and milk/dairy. There are several reasons why a vitamin B12 deficiency may arise. People with one or more of the following risk factors are at a great risk of developing a vitamin B12 deficiency. Insufficient vitamin B12 intake in food which is more common among vegans and to a lesser extent among vegetarians. The elderly are also mor likely to be affected due to dietary habits. Chronic alcoholism which affects the digestive tract’s ability to absorb vitamin B12 from food. Alcoholics may also not eat regular and nutritious meals which can lead to a host of nutritional deficiencies. Bowel conditions like Crohn’s disease, celiac disease and chronic diarrheal illnesses may affect the body’s ability to … Continue reading Signs of Low Vitamin B12 Levels in Adults