Since B vitamins are found in many foods, you are most likely not at risk of developing a deficiency as long as you follow a well-rounded diet.
However, certain circumstances increase the need for B vitamins, making supplements necessary.
People who are pregnant or nursing
During pregnancy, the demand for B vitamins, particularly B12 and folate, grows. This is because they are needed to support fetal development.
In people who are pregnant or breastfeeding or chestfeeding — especially those who follow vegetarian or vegan diets — supplementing with a B-complex vitamin is crucial.
B12 or folate deficiency during pregnancy or while nursing can lead to severe neurological damage or birth defects in the fetus or infant.
Older adults
As you age, your ability to absorb vitamin B12 decreases and your appetite declines, making it difficult for some people to get enough B12 through diet alone.
The body’s ability to release B12 from food so that it can be absorbed depends on adequate amounts of stomach acid.
However, it’s estimated that many older adults don’t produce enough stomach acid to properly absorb B12. If you take medications to reduce stomach acid in order to treat acid reflux or heartburn, this can also inhibit your B12 absorption.
Those with certain medical conditions
People with certain medical conditions are more likely to develop deficiencies in nutrients like B vitamins.
This includes:
- celiac disease
- Crohn’s disease
- alcoholism
- hypothyroidism
- anorexia
What’s more, people who have undergone certain weight loss surgeries are also more likely to be deficient in B vitamins.
In these circumstances, people are often advised to supplement with a B-complex vitamin to correct or prevent deficiencies.
Vegetarians and vegans
Vitamin B12 is naturally found in animal products like meat, dairy, eggs, and seafood.
Vegans and strict vegetarians could be at risk of developing a B12 deficiency if they don’t get enough of this vitamin through fortified foods or supplements.
A daily B-complex vitamin can help ensure that people who choose to follow diets that eliminate animal products are getting enough of these important nutrients.
People taking certain medications
Commonly prescribed medications can lead to a deficiency in B vitamins.
For example, proton pump inhibitors, which are medications that lower stomach acid, can decrease the absorption of B12, whereas metformin, a popular diabetes drug, can decrease levels of both B12 and folate.
Summary
Pregnancy, medical conditions, surgeries, genetics, medications, dietary restrictions, and age can all affect how your body absorbs and uses B vitamins.