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Are You at Risk for Vitamin Deficiencies?
Published: Aug 30, 2024
Certain factors can increase your risk of vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies. Discover what they are and how to mitigate them.
Age and Absorption
As people age, their ability to absorb vitamin B12 can decrease due to reduced stomach acid production and other factors. This makes older adults more susceptible to vitamin B12 deficiency.
Dietary Choices
Dietary choices like veganism or strict vegetarianism can lead to vitamin B12 deficiency, as plant-based diets often lack sufficient amounts of this vitamin. Folate deficiency is less common with a varied diet but can occur with poor nutrition.
Medical Conditions
Certain medical conditions, such as pernicious anemia or gastrointestinal surgeries, can impair vitamin B12 absorption. Intestinal malabsorption syndromes can also affect folate uptake, increasing the risk of deficiencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Older adults and vegans are at higher risk for vitamin B12 deficiency.
Yes, conditions like pernicious anemia and intestinal surgeries can impair absorption.
Pregnancy and rapid cell proliferation increase folate needs.
Yes, vegans are at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency without supplements.
The Bottom Line
Understanding risk factors for vitamin deficiencies can help you take preventive measures.
References
- https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminB12-HealthProfessional/
- Green R. Vitamin B12 deficiency from the perspective of a practicing hematologist. Blood 2017.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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