Sure, vegetarians and vegans have to be mindful, as they do need fortified foods or supplements. But plenty of other groups need vigilance too: people with gut disorders, a history of GI surgery, pernicious anemia, or those regularly taking medicines that impair absorption, alongside most older adults. The takeaway? B12 deficiency isn’t just a diet issue. It can be about how much you eat, how much you absorb, what medications you’re on, and what’s happening medically that you might not even be aware of.
So, if you have persistent fatigue, unexplained tingling, muscle weakness, balance issues, or changes in thinking or memory, don’t just write it off as stress, getting older, or being “too busy.” Don’t self-diagnose or ignore. See a healthcare professional who can order the relevant blood tests, figure out the root of the problem, and address it head-on.