Final answer:
Vitamin B12 deficiency is most likely to occur in individuals with diets deficient in this essential nutrient, such as vegans and vegetarians. Pernicious anemia, caused by poor absorption of vitamin B12, is often seen in patients with certain health conditions and surgeries. Vitamin B12 deficiency can also occur during pregnancy and due to some medications, excessive alcohol consumption, some diseases like celiac disease, and poor intake of folic acid.
Step-by-step explanation:
Vitamin B12 deficiency is most likely to occur in individuals who have diets deficient in this essential nutrient, such as vegans and vegetarians. Lack of meat or a viable alternate source, and overcooking or eating insufficient amounts of vegetables may also lead to a deficiency of folate.
Pernicious anemia, a type of anemia caused by poor absorption of vitamin B12, is often seen in patients with certain health conditions and surgeries, such as Crohn's disease, intestinal parasites, surgical removal of the intestines or stomach, and AIDS.
Additionally, vitamin B12 deficiency can occur during pregnancy, due to some medications, excessive alcohol consumption, some diseases like celiac disease, and poor intake of folic acid.