Who is at higher risk for developing vitamin B12 deficiency?

Individuals who are vegetarians, especially if they do not consume fortified foods or supplements, are at a higher risk for developing vitamin B12 deficiency because this vitamin is predominantly found in animal products. Since vegetarians exclude these foods from their diet, they may not get enough B12 unless they take specialized measures to include it through fortified foods or supplements.

Seniors are also at increased risk for vitamin B12 deficiency due to a decrease in the stomach’s ability to produce intrinsic factor, a protein necessary for the absorption of vitamin B12. Age-related changes in the digestive system can lead to malabsorption issues, making it challenging for older adults to absorb adequate amounts of this vital nutrient.

By focusing on these populations, it becomes clear that they face unique dietary and physiological hurdles that can lead to insufficient vitamin B12 levels. Thus, the combination of vegetarian dietary restrictions and age-related physiological changes significantly contributes to the higher risk of deficiency in these groups.