Who is at risk of B12 deficiency?
Vitamin deficiencies are rife in countries struck by food insecurity, but some populations in developed countries can become affected too.
The nutrient is found almost exclusively in foods of animal origin, and other dietary sources fortified with B12.
WebMD states: “You can get vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia if you don’t get enough vitamin B12 in your diet from foods like milk, eggs, and meat.”
The vitamin is closely related to folic acid, so a deficiency in one of the nutrients often leads to a deficiency in the other.