Atrophic Gastritis

Atrophic gastritis involves atrophy of acid-producing stomach cells and typically develops in individuals over 60. Atrophic gastritis impairs both stomach acid production and intrinsic factor production, disrupting the full B12 absorption pathway. Stomach acid production decreases progressively with age, with especially significant decline after age 50. Atrophic gastritis involves chronic inflammation and progressive breakdown of the stomach lining, typically caused by years of consuming poor-quality foods. Atrophic gastritis makes the stomach acid deficit chronic and progressive without intervention. As the body ages, the need for nutrient absorption increases even as acid production declines, creating a widening gap between supply and demand.