B12 Deficiency Risk Factors
Many people, especially women in their menstrual years, vegetarians, and vegans, have B12 deficiency. Deficiency may also be caused by poor absorption of B12 in the digestive tract. Although easily tested for via blood, B12 deficiency often goes undiagnosed until a person begins to manifest more extreme symptoms.
Because B12 is water-soluble, the body is not able to store large amounts of it. The body must therefore be supplied with a consistent and high quality source of B12. This may sound simple enough, but with the quality most of our diets today, even those with the best of intentions are often not getting enough B vitamins, particularly B-12.
Those most at risk for deficiency include:
- Vegetarians and vegans
- Menstruating women
- People who are anemic (Please note there are different types of anemia. Knowing which kind you have is important.)
- Those with digestive issues including pernicious anemia
- People with a history of alcoholism
- People with abnormal immune response
- People with abnormal neurological function
Vitamin B12 is of critical importance for a wide variety of functions in the body, including:
- Red blood cell formation
- Nerve cell formation
- Healthy growth and development
- Promoting sustainable energy
- Providing coenzymes for numerous functions in the body
- Supporting healthy brain function
- Immune boosting
B12 is a suggested supplement for:
- Athletes
- Cardiovascular support
- Homocysteine management
- Ongoing fatigue and weakness
- People needing GI tract support
- Vegetarians and vegan
- Those who have trouble absorbing Vitamin B12 from foods
- Menstruating women who suspect a B12 deficiency
