VITAMIN B-12

Vitamin b12

Vitamin b12 deficiencies may happen when you aren't getting the right nutrients in your diet when your body can't absorb nutrients properly, and when you have various other problems of the digestive system.

Vitamin b12 is a critical nutrient that helps your body make healthy red blood cells. If you have a chronic lack of b12, your body can't make a number of red blood cells that it needs, which can lead to anemia.

Animal products like meat, poultry, and seafood and dairy foods like milk, eggs, yogurt, and cheese are the best sources of vitamin b12. Honey, vegetables, and fruits are not really sources of vitamin b12, which is why people who follow a vegan diet may not get enough of it. If you're a vegan, think about eating a breakfast cereal fortified with b12. You can also take a b12 supplement, which is recommended for pregnant and nursing mothers who are vegans or even strict vegetarians.

Since most b12 in our diets comes from animal products, vegans are at risk for b12 deficiency. Crohn's and celiac disease, weight loss surgery, and chronic alcoholism can all interfere with a person's ability to absorb enough of the nutrients they need. Seniors have more problems with nutrient absorption and malnutrition as well.

Some diabetes, antibiotics, seizure, antacids, drugs can interfere with your body's ability to break down vitamin b12 from food.