Vitamin 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. “Even if your diet contains enough, you may be falling short.”

Why can the elderly end up with deficiencies of vitamin B12?

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 happens when your vitamin B12 is low?

Not having enough B12 can lead to anemia, which means your body does not have enough red blood cells to do the job. This can make you feel weak and tired. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause damage to your nerves and can affect memory and thinking.

How much B12 does a senior need?

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.

Is B12 good for seniors?

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.

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 main function of vitamin B12?

What is vitamin B12 and what does it do? Vitamin B12 is a nutrient that helps keep your body’s blood and nerve cells healthy and helps make DNA, the genetic material in all of your cells. Vitamin B12 also helps prevent megaloblastic anemia, a blood condition that makes people tired and weak.

What are the neurological symptoms of B12 deficiency?

A lack of vitamin B12 can cause neurological problems, which affect your nervous system, such as:

• vision problems.
• memory loss.
• pins and needles (paraesthesia)
• loss of physical co-ordination (ataxia), which can affect your whole body and cause difficulty speaking or walking.

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).

How much vitamin B12 should an 80 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.

Can you take vitamin D and vitamin B12 together?

No interactions were found between Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D3. This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.

What are the side effects of vitamin B-12?

What are the side effects of vitamin B-12?

• mild diarrhea.
• itching.
• skin rash.
• headache.
• dizziness.
• nausea.
• vomiting.
• pulmonary edema and congestive heart failure early in treatment.

Does vitamin B-12 help with dementia?

Some studies suggest low vitamin B-12 levels may be associated with an increased risk of dementia. But supplementation with B vitamins has not been shown to improve brain function or symptoms of memory loss. Regardless of its role in memory, vitamin B-12 remains an important part of a healthy diet.

What amount of vitamin B-12 is recommended daily?

Left untreated, a vitamin B-12 deficiency can lead to anemia, fatigue, muscle weakness, intestinal problems, nerve damage and mood disturbances. The recommended daily amount of vitamin B-12 for adults is 2.4 micrograms.