Final answer:
Common causes of vitamin B12 deficiency include regional enteritis and malabsorption, celiac disease, decreased intake of foods with vitamin B12, advancing age, and use of drugs that lower stomach acid.
Step-by-step explanation:
Common causes of vitamin B12 deficiency include:
- Regional enteritis and malabsorption: These conditions can impair the body's ability to absorb vitamin B12 from the diet.
- Celiac disease: People with celiac disease may have difficulty absorbing vitamin B12.
- Decreased intake of foods with vitamin B12: Not consuming enough foods rich in vitamin B12 can lead to a deficiency.
- Advancing age: As people age, the body's ability to absorb vitamin B12 may decrease.
- Use of drugs that lower stomach acid: Certain medications that reduce stomach acid can interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12.