Which individual is least likely to be at risk for vitamin B-12 deficiency?

Which individual is least likely to be at risk for vitamin B-12 deficiency?

• A. A vegan
• B. A woman with polycystic ovarian syndrome taking metformin therapy
• C. An elderly individual on a proton pump inhibitor
• D. A man on aspirin therapy

Answer: (D)

Vitamin B12 deficiency happens when intake is low or absorption is impaired. B12 in foods is released by stomach acid and then needs intrinsic factor to be absorbed in the end of the small intestine. That means people exposed to scenarios that disrupt either intake or absorption are at higher risk. A vegan often lacks B12 because animal products are the main natural source. Metformin can interfere with B12 absorption, so someone taking it is at greater risk. Elderly individuals using proton pump inhibitors have reduced stomach acid, which can hinder B12 release and absorption. In contrast, taking aspirin alone does not directly impair B12 absorption or drastically reduce intake, so this person is least likely to be at risk unless another issue like GI bleeding is present.

Vitamin B12 deficiency happens when intake is low or absorption is impaired. B12 in foods is released by stomach acid and then needs intrinsic factor to be absorbed in the end of the small intestine. That means people exposed to scenarios that disrupt either intake or absorption are at higher risk. A vegan often lacks B12 because animal products are the main natural source. Metformin can interfere with B12 absorption, so someone taking it is at greater risk. Elderly individuals using proton pump inhibitors have reduced stomach acid, which can hinder B12 release and absorption. In contrast, taking aspirin alone does not directly impair B12 absorption or drastically reduce intake, so this person is least likely to be at risk unless another issue like GI bleeding is present.