What Affects B12 Absorption

Vitamin B12 deficiency due to lack of intrinsic factor causes a type of anemia called pernicious anemia. Among older people, absorption may be inadequate because stomach acidity is decreased. Decreased stomach acidity reduces the body’s ability to remove vitamin B12 from the protein in meat.

What blocks the absorption of B12?

Factors inhibiting B12 absorption The ODS reports that the taking of certain medications can lower the amount of B12 your body is able to absorb. These include: The antibiotic chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin) Acid reflux meds which are proton pump inhibitors (like Prilosec and Prevacid)

What causes non absorption of B12?

Atrophic gastritis, in which your stomach lining has thinned. Pernicious anemia, which makes it hard for your body to absorb vitamin B12. Conditions that affect your small intestine, such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease, bacterial growth, or a parasite.