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The Effects of Vitamin B12 DeficiencyVitamin B12 supplementation is especially important for vegetarians and the elderly. Vitamin B12 deficiency is specifically evidenced by memory loss, fatigue, confusion, depression, muscle weakness, numbness and neurological damage that causes tingling in the extremities. Anemia and dementia are also known effects, but can be reversed if detected early. As we age, our body requires lower quantities of Vitamin B12. Yet, up to 20 percent of the elderly population is believed to be Vitamin B12-deficient. Although most of them do not present visible symptoms, there are other effects. For instance, the pneumonia vaccine is not as effective on Vitamin B12-deficient elderly people. A study conducted on 30 elderly people found that those who were deficient in Vitamin B12 were unable to manufacture antibodies to the pneumonia virus compared to those who had adequate supplies of the vitamin. Elderly people with Vitamin B12 deficiency may also have digestion problems. With age, people often develop a condition called atrophic gastritis, which reduces acid production in the stomach. In the absence of sufficient acids, the body cannot separate Vitamin B12 from the protein in foods. However, the body can absorb sufficient quantities of the vitamin from supplements or fortified breakfast cereals, forms in which the vitamin need not be separated from protein. People with known gastric issues such as Crohn's Disease or ulcers may be at risk of a Vitamin B12 deficiency. Patients who take medication to treat epilepsy, gout or chronic heartburn may also suffer from Vitamin B12 deficiency due to ineffective absorption of the vitamin. Maintain your daily required dietary intake of Vitamin B12 and you should be able to avoid these complications, which can range from mild to severe. Also Read:
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