Dietary shortfall is increasingly common as more clients adopt plant-based eating, because vitamin b12 foods are almost entirely animal-derived: meat, fish, eggs and dairy, with fortified cereals and yeast extracts the main vegan options
Matters: Ron Thompson, the Illustrated Man Unsung"
Impaired coordination : Ataxia, or impaired balance and coordination, is a neurological symptom that can be caused by B12 deficiency
Certain populations face higher deficiency risk: vegetarians and vegans (B12 is primarily found in animal products), adults over 50 (decreased stomach acid reduces B12 absorption), individuals with digestive disorders like Crohn's disease or celiac disease, and those taking medications like metformin or proton pump inhibitors
Each corresponds to a specific quality parameter and a specific failure mode it is designed to catch