Why are older people at increased risk for vitamin b12 deficiency compared to younger people?

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Cobalamin (vitamin B12) deficiency is more common in the elderly than in younger patients. This is because of the increased prevalence of cobalamin malabsorption in this age group, which is mainly caused by (autoimmune) atrophic body gastritis.



Consequently, why are the elderly at risk for vitamin b12 deficiency?

Vitamin B12 deficiency is common among the elderly. Elderly people are particularly at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency because of the high prevalence of atrophic gastritis-associated food-cobalamin (vitamin B12) malabsorption, and the increasing prevalence of pernicious anaemia with advancing age.

Additionally, who is most at risk for vitamin b12 deficiency? Vegans (people who don't eat any meat, dairy, or eggs) are most at risk for developing a B12 deficiency because, aside from fortified breakfast cereals, the only reliable dietary sources of vitamin B12 are animal-derived products.

Then, which age group is most likely to have a vitamin b12 deficiency?

As a result, vitamin B12 deficiency is relatively common, especially among older people. The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey estimated that 3.2% of adults over age 50 have a seriously low B12 level, and up to 20% may have a borderline vitamin B12 deficiency.

Why do elderly people need b12?

B12 is important for creating red blood cells and DNA, and for maintaining healthy nerve function. “Getting enough B12 is a challenge for older people because they can't absorb it from food as well as younger people," says Tucker.

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What are the symptoms of vitamin b12 deficiency in the elderly?

Vitamin B12 deficiency is often missed because the symptoms — fatigue, anemia, neuropathy, memory problems, or walking difficulties — are quite common in older adults, and can easily be caused by something else.

Can vitamin b12 cause heart palpitations?

There are a variety of symptoms that come with a B12 deficiency. One sign associated with the condition is experiencing heart palpitations. This is because if a vitamin B12 deficiency is left untreated, it can cause damage to your nervous system, and this damage could affect the way you walk and move.

Is Vitamin b12 Good for circulation?

Vitamin B12 plays an essential role in the production of the DNA needed to make red blood cells. These red blood cells are too large to pass out of your bone marrow and into your circulation. Therefore, you don't have as many red blood cells circulating around your body, and your skin can appear pale in color.

What causes lack of vitamin b12?

Atrophic gastritis, in which your stomach lining has thinned. Pernicious anemia, which makes it hard for your body to absorb vitamin B12. Conditions that affect your small intestine, such as Crohn's disease, celiac disease, bacterial growth, or a parasite. Immune system disorders, such as Graves' disease or lupus.

What vitamins does a 70 year old woman need?


Calcium and vitamin D are essential for good bone health. The RDA of vitamin D for adult women under 70 years of age is 15 mcg. The RDA for calcium is 1,000 mg for women aged 19 to 50 years.

Is b12 good for elderly?

Good nutrition is an essential part of aging well. One of the most important aspects of good nutrition for the elderly is a healthy level of vitamin B12. Our bodies need this vitamin, also called cobalamin, to make parts of our DNA, to make red blood cells and to keep our nerve cells working well, among other things.

Which age group has the highest daily vitamin D requirement?

The recommended daily amount of vitamin D is 400 international units (IU) for children up to age 12 months, 600 IU for ages 1 to 70 years, and 800 IU for people over 70 years.

What is considered a low b12 level?

Levels of vitamin B-12 are low if they are below 200 ng/mL. This result suggests a vitamin B-12 deficiency, pernicious anemia, or an overactive thyroid. People with low vitamin B-12 levels often experience neurological symptoms. High.

Do bananas have b12?

"It contains high amounts of vitamin B6 and B12, as well as magnesium and potassium. It also contains some fiber and protein." According to a 2011 article in the journal of Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology, banana peels also have "various bioactive compounds like polyphenols, carotenoids and others."

How long does it take to get b12 levels up?


A response usually is seen within 48 to 72 hours, with brisk production of new red blood cells. Once B12 reserves reach normal levels, injections of vitamin B12 will be needed every one to three months to prevent symptoms from returning.

Can low b12 cause weight gain?

People with vitamin B12 deficiency are likely to experience a wide range of symptoms, though weight gain is unlikely one of them. If you're experiencing unexplained weight gain, consider discussing it with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian to determine the root cause.

Can low b12 cause anxiety?

B12 Causes Psychiatric Symptoms: B12 deficiency can cause almost any psychiatric symptom, from anxiety, and panic to depression and hallucinations. This is because B12 deficiencies trigger symptoms in the nervous system and red blood cells.

How often can you have b12 injections?

The usual dose for pernicious anemia-associated vitamin B12 deficiency is 100 mcg given as an injection into the muscle or under the skin once daily for 6-7 days. Then the dose may be given every other day for 7 doses followed by every 3-4 days for around 3 weeks. Then, 100 mcg should be injected every month for life.

Does vitamin b12 give you energy?


Currently, there is no scientific evidence to suggest that vitamin B12 supplements can boost energy in those with sufficient levels of this vitamin ( 18 ). Since vitamin B12 is water-soluble, your body cannot store extra amounts. Summary Vitamin B12 is involved in energy production in your body.

What is the best form of vitamin b12?

* Please note that cyanocobalamin is the form of B12 most used in supplements because it's the cheapest and while we've presented methylcobalamin as the superior form both are excellent at providing nutritionally valuable quantities of Vitamin B12 to the body.

Are b12 shots good for you?

Vitamin B12 Shots Are Very Effective
Vitamin B12 shots are the most common way to prevent or treat a deficiency. These are very effective at raising blood levels of B12 and preventing/reversing a deficiency.