Vitamin B12 is water soluble vitamin and an essential micronutrient. We obtain it predominately from animal products (typically red meat, dairy and eggs). Vitamin B12 is a key nutrient that is involved in the synthesis of our DNA, formation of blood cell components, nerve activity and the production of some neurotransmitters.
In order to absorb Vitamin B12 our bodies produce a glycoprotein called Intrinsic Factor (produced in our stomach and absorbs Vitamin B12 in our intestines). Any excess Vitamin B12 we create is stored in our liver.
Where Vitamin B12 can not be absorbed, whether it be from dietary insufficiency, lack of Intrinsic Factor or malabsorption issues, we are at risk of deficiency. Adult pernicious anaemia is the most common cause of Vitamin B12 deficiency and most commonly occurs in people aged 40-70.
In the U K and the US, approximately 6% of people aged under 60 and 20% of those over 60 are thought to be Vitamin B12 deficient. People on a vegan diet and menopausal women are also at increased risk of Vitamin B12 deficiency.
Reference:
NICE ‘Anaemia B12 and Folate Deficiency’. Available at www.cks.nice org uk May 2023
Ankar. A. Kumar. A. (2022). Vitamin B12 Deficiency’ StatPearls. [Internet]
