Vitamin B12 is needed for cell division and blood
formation. Deficiency of vitamin B12 may still occur as a result
of an inability to absorb B12 from food. It can also occur in
individuals with dietary patterns that exclude animal or
fortified foods. As a general rule, most individuals who develop
a vitamin B12 deficiency have an underlying stomach or
intestinal disorder that limits the absorption of vitamin B12.
Sometimes the only symptom of these intestinal disorders is
anemia resulting from B12 deficiency.