The human body needs vitamin B12 to make red blood cells, nerves, DNA, and carry out other functions. The average adult should get 2.4 micrograms a day. Like most vitamins, B12can’t be made by the body. Instead, it must be gotten from food or supplements.
There are many causes for vitamin B12 deficiency, including a vegetarian diet, weight-loss surgery, and Crohn’s Disease.
01. Vegetarian Diet
Plants don't make vitamin B12. The only foods that deliver it are meat, eggs, poultry, dairy products, and other foods from animals. Strict vegetarians and vegans are at high risk for developing a B12 deficiency if they don't eat grains that have been fortified with the vitamin or take a vitamin supplement. People who have weight-loss surgery are also more likely to be low in vitamin B12 because the operation interferes with the body's ability to extract vitamin B12 from food.
02.Weight Loss Surgery
Bariatric surgery involves reducing the size of the stomach to limit the amount of food a person can eat. While this surgery can be effective in helping individuals achieve significant weight loss, it can also lead to certain nutritional deficiencies, including vitamin B12 deficiency.
03. Crohn's Disease
Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that can also lead to malabsorption of vitamin B12. In Crohn's disease, inflammation in the small intestine can damage the lining of the intestine, leading to decreased absorption of nutrients, including vitamin B12. This can result in a vitamin B12 deficiency, which can cause a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, weakness, and tingling in the hands and feet.