Until you hear from your doctor that you currently have a B12 deficiency, you may think that there is nothing that you should be concerned about. However, scientific research would suggest otherwise. In a study that was conducted at Tufts University, it was shown that 65% of the adult participants between the ages of 26 and 83 had B12 levels that were low enough to cause neurological issues and lead to chronic disease. In fact, other recent research indicates that in addition to placing you at high risk for developing b12 deficiency symptoms, having levels at the low end of the normal range places you at risk for developing serious chronic disease.
Should you be concerned? While no one is immune to the possibility of developing low B12, there are some groups that are at a much higher risk. The most easily recognized is vegans and vegetarians because very few get enough Vitamin B12 in their diets. B12 is found naturally in dairy products, fish and meat. Since vegans do not eat any of these and vegetarians consume only dairy, unless they begin oral supplementation or take b12 shots as soon as they begin following a meat free diet, they have a very high risk of developing a B12 deficiency. It is estimated that 50% of all vegetarians and 80% of all vegans who have been following their diet long term suffer from a B12 deficiency.
Even if you get enough meat and dairy, you may still be at risk of developing low enough levels of B12 to cause concern. At particular risk are those who drink and smoke, those over the age of 40, and anyone who has had gastrointestinal surgery. The challenge for these groups is that B12 absorption is a very complicated biological process. Just because you eat foods that are rich in B12 - or take oral supplements – does not mean that the B12 ever makes its way into your blood stream.