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.

What does vitamin B12 do for the elderly?

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.

What happens if an older person has vitamin B12 deficiency?

This can cause a variety of symptoms, including tingling, numbness, burning, poor balance, and walking difficulties. Cognitive impairment. This means that nerve cells in the brain are not working well. This can cause memory problems, irritability, and even dementia.

How much B12 should an elderly person take?

Recommended Vitamin B12 Dosage for Seniors A recent study found that for seniors, a daily dose of 500 micrograms was efficient in reversing the signs of B12 deficiency. In general, experts recommend 2.5 micrograms of vitamin B12 per day for people over the age of 14.

Which condition in the elderly may lead to a secondary deficiency in vitamin B12?

Protein bound malabsorption is thought to be the most common cause of sub-clinical vitamin B₁₂ deficiency in the elderly and is commonly associated with some degree of atrophic gastritis.

What are the symptoms of B12 deficiency?

Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency

• a pale yellow tinge to your skin.
• a sore and red tongue (glossitis)
• mouth ulcers.
• pins and needles (paraesthesia)
• changes in the way that you walk and move around.
• disturbed vision.
• irritability.
• depression.

How much vitamin B12 should a 70 year old take?

Dosages for Older People Around this age, you should be getting around 2.4 micrograms of B12 a day. Not only does this mean consciously eating foods that contain vitamin B12 but it also means that you should ingest this vitamin as a supplement. By taking supplements, you will ensure that your body absorbs vitamin B12.

Who is most at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency?

Who is at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency anemia?

• A family history of the disease.
• Having part or all of your stomach or intestine removed.
• Autoimmune diseases, including type 1 diabetes.
• Crohn’s disease.
• HIV.
• Some medicines.
• Strict vegetarian diets.
• Being an older adult.

What is the most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency?

However, the most common cause of vitamin B-12 deficiency anemia is a lack of a substance called intrinsic factor, which can be caused when your immune system mistakenly attacks the stomach cells that produce this substance. This type of anemia is called pernicious anemia.

How long does it take to improve B12 deficiency?

Once you begin treating your vitamin B12 deficiency, it can take up to six to 12 months to fully recover. It is also common to not experience any improvement during the first few months of treatment.

Does B12 raise blood pressure?

Vitamin B12 intake was significantly inversely associated with systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure (P for trend was <0.001 and 0.006, respectively).

Is 5000 mcg of vitamin B12 too much to take?

While megadoses of up to 2,000 mcg are considered safe in treating B12 deficiency, it’s always best to avoid excessive amounts of any vitamin, especially when it’s not needed.

Is B12 level of 1200 too high?

The normal range for vitamin B12 (total) is between 200 – 1100 ng/L (nanograms per liter), 200 – 1100 pg/mL (picograms per milliliter), or 148 – 811 pmol/L (picomoles per liter). The normal range for active vitamin B12 (holoTC) is around 20 – 134 pmol/L (picomoles per liter).

Is lack of vitamin B12 serious?

Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to serious complications such as nerve damage, anemia and fatigue, which is why those at risk should add a high-quality B12 supplement to their diet ( 2 ).

Can lack of B12 cause memory loss?

Vitamin B-12 helps maintain healthy nerve cells and red blood cells. Vitamin B-12 deficiency — most common in older adults and vegetarians — can cause various signs and symptoms, including memory loss.

What is considered a low B12 level?

Understanding the Results But a normal level of vitamin B12 in your bloodstream is generally between 190 and 950 picograms per milliliter (pg/mL). Between 200 to 300 pg/mL is considered borderline and your doctor may do more testing. Below 200 pg/mL is low and more testing is needed.