Which group of people are more at risk for vitamin deficiencies?

October 21, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 2 billion people worldwide are at risk of micronutrient deficiencies. Understanding which group of people are more at risk for vitamin deficiencies is the first step toward proactive health management and intervention. This awareness is critical for tailoring nutritional strategies to meet individual needs, especially within vulnerable populations.

Quick Summary

Several groups face a heightened risk of vitamin deficiencies, including pregnant women, young children, older adults, individuals with certain medical conditions, and those on restrictive diets. Increased physiological demands, poor absorption, and specific lifestyle factors can all contribute to inadequate vitamin levels and related health problems.

Key Points

Pregnant and lactating women: Due to increased physiological demands to support fetal development and milk production, this group is at higher risk for deficiencies in folate, iron, and vitamin D.
Older adults: Reduced stomach acid, lower dietary intake, and decreased sun exposure make the elderly more susceptible to deficiencies in vitamin B12, vitamin D, and vitamin B6.
Individuals with gastrointestinal disorders: Conditions like Crohn's, celiac disease, and gastric bypass surgery cause poor nutrient absorption, increasing the risk for deficiencies, including fat-soluble vitamins and B12.
Vegans and vegetarians: Excluding animal products can lead to deficiencies in vitamin B12, iron, and zinc, which are predominantly found in animal sources.
Individuals with chronic alcoholism: Long-term excessive alcohol use interferes with the absorption and storage of multiple vitamins, especially B vitamins.
Socioeconomically disadvantaged populations: Poor dietary diversity and limited access to nutritious foods place lower-income groups at a higher risk of widespread micronutrient deficiencies globally.
Infants and young children: Rapid growth and development increase their vitamin and mineral needs, making them vulnerable, particularly to deficiencies in vitamins A and D.

Vulnerable Populations and Vitamin Deficiency Risk

Understanding and addressing vitamin deficiencies requires recognizing that the risk is not uniform across all demographics. A number of factors, including age, physiological state, lifestyle, and health status, place certain groups at a significantly higher risk. For these individuals, a balanced diet may not be enough, and targeted interventions are often necessary.

Life Stage and Demographic Factors

Certain life stages place a greater demand on the body's nutrient stores, increasing the risk of deficiencies.

Pregnant and Lactating Women: The nutritional demands of pregnancy and breastfeeding are high. Pregnant women, for example, have increased needs for folate to prevent neural tube defects in the fetus and iron to support an increase in blood volume. A mother's nutritional status directly influences the health and development of her breastfed infant, making lactation another critical period.
Infants and Young Children: Rapid growth and development in children, especially from conception to early childhood, mean they require a higher nutrient intake relative to their body size. Inadequate intake of vitamins like A and D can lead to severe health consequences, including impaired vision and bone deformities. Infants who are exclusively breastfed, particularly those with limited sun exposure, are at higher risk for vitamin D deficiency.
Older Adults: The elderly are at increased risk due to several factors, including reduced stomach acid production (which affects B12 absorption), lower overall dietary intake, and decreased sun exposure. Chronic health conditions and certain medications common in this age group can also interfere with nutrient absorption and metabolism.
Individuals on Restrictive Diets: Vegans and vegetarians are at higher risk for vitamin B12 deficiency because this vitamin is found almost exclusively in animal products. If not properly managed with fortified foods or supplements, these diets can also lead to deficiencies in iron, zinc, and other micronutrients.
Individuals with Darker Skin: People with more melanin in their skin produce less vitamin D from sun exposure, placing them at a higher risk of deficiency, especially in regions with less sunlight.

Lifestyle and Medical Factors

Chronic diseases, surgical procedures, and lifestyle habits can severely impact the body's ability to absorb and utilize vitamins.

Gastrointestinal Disorders: Conditions like Crohn's disease, celiac disease, inflammatory bowel syndrome (IBS), and cystic fibrosis can all cause malabsorption, preventing the body from properly absorbing nutrients from food.
Alcohol Use Disorder: Chronic, excessive alcohol consumption can interfere with the absorption of many vitamins, particularly B vitamins, and can damage the liver, which plays a role in vitamin storage.
Post-Bariatric Surgery Patients: Weight-loss surgeries like gastric bypass alter the digestive tract, significantly limiting the absorption of many nutrients, including vitamin B12, folate, iron, and others. Patients require lifelong supplementation and monitoring.
Chronic Illness: Patients suffering from chronic conditions, such as kidney and liver disease, or those recovering from infection, may have increased needs or impaired nutrient metabolism.
Medications: Certain medications can deplete the body's vitamin stores. For example, some anti-seizure drugs and proton pump inhibitors can affect vitamin absorption.

The Role of Socioeconomic Status

Globally, malnutrition is a serious issue that disproportionately affects individuals in low- and middle-income countries due to poor dietary diversity and limited access to fortified and micronutrient-rich foods. Poverty and food insecurity amplify the risk of undernutrition and chronic deficiencies.

Prevention and Management Strategies

Managing the risk of vitamin deficiency involves a multi-pronged approach tailored to individual needs. For those in high-risk groups, general advice may not be sufficient.

Dietary Adjustments: Consuming a varied diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is the cornerstone of prevention for most people. Those on restrictive diets should be particularly mindful of sourcing nutrient-rich alternatives.
Supplementation: For high-risk individuals, supplementation may be necessary to meet daily requirements. This is especially true for deficiencies like vitamin B12 in vegans or vitamin D in those with limited sun exposure.
Regular Monitoring: Regular health check-ups and blood tests can detect deficiencies before severe symptoms appear. This is particularly important for older adults and patients with malabsorption issues.
Addressing Underlying Issues: Treating underlying medical conditions, such as gastrointestinal diseases or alcoholism, is a crucial part of managing and reversing vitamin deficiencies.
Public Health Initiatives: Global efforts involving fortification of staple foods, improved dietary education, and supplementation programs in vulnerable communities are essential to combat widespread micronutrient deficiencies.

Comparison of Vulnerable Groups and Associated Risks


Group	Primary Risk Factors	Common Deficiencies	Potential Consequences
Pregnant & Lactating Women	Increased physiological demands; supporting fetal development and milk production.	Folate, Iron, Vitamin D.	Anemia, neural tube defects in fetus, premature birth.
Older Adults	Decreased absorption, reduced dietary intake, lower sun exposure.	Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, Vitamin B6.	Neurological issues, dementia-like symptoms, osteoporosis, increased fracture risk.
Vegans & Vegetarians	Exclusion of animal products from the diet.	Vitamin B12, Iron, Zinc.	Anemia, fatigue, neurological damage (B12).
Bariatric Surgery Patients	Altered digestive system impacting nutrient absorption.	Vitamin B12, Folate, Iron, Fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K).	Anemia, bone issues, neurological symptoms.
Individuals with Malabsorption Issues	Conditions like Crohn's or Celiac disease.	Varies widely, often fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K), B12.	Wide range of health problems depending on the specific deficiency.

Conclusion

While a balanced diet is the best defense against vitamin deficiencies for most, several groups are at a heightened risk due to specific life stages, health conditions, or dietary choices. Pregnant women, older adults, individuals on restrictive diets, and those with malabsorption disorders require particular attention to their nutritional intake. The path to preventing deficiencies for these populations often involves a combination of dietary adjustments, targeted supplementation, and regular medical monitoring to ensure optimal health. By identifying these at-risk groups, health professionals and individuals alike can take informed, proactive steps to mitigate risks and improve long-term wellness. A proactive approach is key, as identifying and correcting deficiencies can prevent serious, long-term health complications.

For more information on preventative nutrition strategies, consult resources from authoritative health organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Frequently Asked Questions

The biggest risk factor is a poor diet that lacks a variety of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. In some cases, genetic makeup or underlying medical conditions can also be a primary risk.

Pregnant women have higher physiological needs for vitamins and minerals to support both their own health and the growth and development of the fetus. Deficiencies in nutrients like folate can lead to severe birth defects.

Older adults may absorb fewer nutrients due to reduced stomach acid and often have lower overall dietary intake. They also tend to spend less time outdoors, limiting their vitamin D production.

Vegans and vegetarians are most at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency since it is found almost exclusively in animal products. They may also need to monitor their intake of iron and zinc.

Gastrointestinal disorders like celiac and Crohn's disease, liver and kidney disease, and weight-loss surgery can all interfere with the absorption and metabolism of vitamins.

Yes, some medications, including certain anti-seizure drugs and proton pump inhibitors, can block or reduce the body's ability to absorb essential vitamins.

Excessive alcohol use disrupts the body's ability to absorb most vitamins, particularly B vitamins, and can damage the liver, which is responsible for storing vitamins.