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As people age, changes in the digestive system can reduce how well some nutrients are absorbed. Vitamin B12 depends on intrinsic factor, a protein made in the stomach, to be absorbed in the small intestine. Aging often brings lower stomach acid and less intrinsic factor, so B12 absorption drops, increasing the risk of deficiency. Deficiency can lead to fatigue, anemia, and nerve or cognitive problems, so older adults are more likely to need B12 supplementation, sometimes through injections or high-dose oral forms.