Why Vitamin B12 Matters
Vitamin B12 plays a vital role in your body by helping produce red blood cells, supporting nerve function, and creating DNA. The typical adult needs about 2.4 micrograms daily. Since your body can’t make this vitamin on its own, it’s essential to get it from your diet or supplements.
Several factors can lead to a vitamin B12 shortage, including following a vegetarian diet, having weight-loss surgery, or living with Crohn’s Disease.
Request an Appointment01. Vegetarian Diet
Plants don’t naturally contain vitamin B12. This vitamin is found mainly in animal products like meat, eggs, dairy, and poultry. Those who follow strict vegetarian or vegan diets risk a deficiency unless they consume fortified grains or take supplements. Also, people who have had weight-loss surgery might struggle to get enough B12 because their bodies absorb it less effectively.
02. Weight Loss Surgery
Bariatric surgery reduces stomach size to help with weight loss but can also limit the body’s ability to absorb vitamin B12. This can increase the risk of deficiency, so monitoring and supplementation might be necessary.
03. Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s Disease causes inflammation in the small intestine, which can damage its lining. This damage often leads to poor absorption of nutrients like vitamin B12, causing symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, and tingling in hands or feet.