Vitamin B12 insufficiency and deficiency: a review of nondisease risk factors

Abstract

Vitamin B12 deficiency and insufficiency can lead to both hematological and neurological impairments. This review examines nondisease causes and risk factors associated with dietary availability, such as eating habits, food processing, cooking techniques, and bioavailability, as well as increased physiological needs and iatrogenic factors linked to medication use or surgical procedures. As a result of these nondisease influences, groups at higher risk include vegans, vegetarians, older adults, individuals with limited diets, breastfed and preterm infants, and those who primarily consume foods prepared or cooked in ways that reduce vitamin B12 content, as well as individuals on certain medications or who have undergone specific surgeries. Recognizing these diverse risk factors helps develop strategies for prevention and intervention to minimize the adverse health effects related to B12 deficiency and insufficiency.

Keywords:

• Vitamin B12
• cobalamin
• risk factors
• deficiency
• iatrogenic

Acknowledgment

Prof. Ebba Nexo, Denmark, is acknowledged for her fruitful discussions and her input. Also, Acknowledgment goes to OpenAI for the freely accessible ChatGPT tool, utilized in language proofreading and refinement.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).