Why food fortification with vitamin B12 is needed?

Vitamin B12 plays a functional role in a variety of organs and body systems. The list of conditions that are affected by vitamin B12 deficiency either directly or indirectly is growing. • In some countries two factors can contribute to vitamin B12 deficiency, namely, changes in dietary pattern among segments of the population within the higher socioeconomic strata and the existence of poverty which leads to a low consumption of animal products (particularly red meat). • There is an increasing prevalence of low vitamin B12 level in different segments of the general population. • Vitamin B12 deficiency has various and serious health effects. • The early detection of vitamin B12 deficiency is essential in order to prescribe opportune treatments. • In order to prevent serious health problems, routine fortification with vitamin B12 should be seriously considered.