Vitamin B12 deficiency epidemiology and demographics

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview[edit | edit source]

Epidemiology and Demographics[edit | edit source]

A large study in the US found that 39 % people had low values.^[1] This study at Tufts University used the B12 concentration 258 pmol/l (= 350 pg/liter) as a criterion of "low level". Research has shown that B12 deficiency may occur at a much higher B12 concentration (500-600 pg/l). On this basis Mitsuyama and Kogoh ^[2] proposed 550 pg/l, and Tiggelen et al ^[3] proposed 600 pg/l. Against this background, there are reasons to believe that B12 deficiency is present in a far greater proportion of the population than 39% as reported by the Tufts University.

In the developing world the deficiency is very widespread, with significant levels of deficiency in Africa, India, and South and Central America. This is due to low intakes of animal products, particular among the poor and strict vegan Increased intake of animal products or supplements have been suggested.^[4]

B12 deficiency is even more common in the elderly.^[5] This is because B₁₂ absorption decreases greatly in the presence of atrophic gastritis, which is common in elderly.

References[edit | edit source]

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