At What Age Should You Start Taking B12

Meat is one of the main sources of vitamin B-12.


Most Americans get enough vitamin B-12 through their diets, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. Some people, however, either have difficulties absorbing vitamin B-12 or follow a restrictive diet that doesn't include enough vitamin B-12. The age at which doctors recommend taking vitamin B-12 supplements depends on the reason for supplementation.

Low Stomach Acid

People with low amounts of stomach acid or who take medications for heartburn may need vitamin B-12 supplements because stomach acid is essential to absorb vitamin B-12. This includes some adults over 50, as people tend to have less stomach acid as they age. Between 10 percent and 30 percent of older adults develop atrophic gastritis, which causes people to have less stomach acid, so the Institute of Medicine recommends people over 50 either take supplements or get their vitamin B-12 from fortified foods, which contain a more easily absorbed type of vitamin B-12.

Decreased Absorption

Some people may eat plenty of foods containing vitamin B-12 without absorbing sufficient amounts of this vitamin to meet their body's needs. Certain conditions interfere with the absorption of vitamin B-12, including Crohn's disease, weight-loss surgery and celiac disease. Weight-loss surgery decreases absorption by removing some of the cells that produce a protein called intrinsic factor and stomach acid, both of which are necessary for absorbing vitamin B-12 from food. Doctors will test to see if your vitamin B-12 levels are sufficient when treating you for these conditions and, if not, will prescribe supplements regardless of your age.

Low Intake

Vegans may need to take vitamin B-12 supplements, regardless of their age. The main sources of this vitamin are all animal-based foods with the exception of fortified cereals, so it can be hard for vegans to get enough vitamin B-12. Vegetarians who eat eggs or dairy products are more likely to meet their vitamin B-12 needs through diet than those who avoid all animal products. Have your doctor check your B-12 levels if you're vegan to determine whether you need to take supplements.

Pernicious Anemia

Some people also suffer from a condition called pernicious anemia, which can develop due to a disease that causes your immune system to destroy intrinsic factor or the cells in your stomach that make intrinsic factor. Most adults don't experience symptoms of this type of anemia until at least the age of 30. It is more commonly diagnosed around 60 years of age. Some babies and children have a rarer form of pernicious anemia, which is inherited. People with pernicious anemia usually require regular vitamin B-12 injections, although some people may be able to use high doses of oral vitamin B-12 supplements instead.

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