• Vitamin B12 deficiency is prevalent among the elderly. Elderly people are particularly at risk of deficiency because of the increasing prevalence with increasing age of atrophic gastritis–associated food-cobalamin malabsorption, PA, and due to drug intake for co-morbidities.

What causes b12 deficiency in the elderly?

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 causes low b12 deficiency?

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.

Which condition in the elderly may lead to a secondary deficiency in vitamin b12?

Abstract. Vitamin B₁₂ deficiency is common among the elderly, and the institutionalized elderly seem to be particularly at risk. Food-cobalamin malabsorption due to the inability to release vitamin B₁₂ from food is a more common cause of vitamin B₁₂ deficiency in the elderly than pernicious anemia .

How does vitamin b12 deficiency occur?

A vitamin B12 deficiency is most often caused by digestive system difficulties, which can occur if the body is unable to absorb B12 from foods and liquids. Most frequently this is due to a lack of intrinsic factor from the stomach or insufficient acid in the stomach.

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.

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

Vitamin B12 Deficiency Symptoms Pale or jaundiced skin. Inflamed tongue. Weakness and fatigue . Tingling sensations in the hands or feet. Trouble walking. Blurred vision. Shortness of breath or dizziness. Changes in thinking, memory and mood.

How long does b12 deficiency take to correct?

Recovery from vitamin B12 deficiency takes time and you may not experience any improvement during the first few months of treatment. Improvement may be gradual and may continue for up to six to 12 months .

What does a b12 deficiency tongue look like?

Smooth Tongue B12 deficiency will also make the tongue sore and beefy-red in color. Glossitis, by causing swelling of the tongue , may also cause the tongue to appear smooth.

What is the best b12 supplement?

The best B12 supplement of 2020 Best B12 supplements of 2020. Jarrow Formulas’ Methyl B12: A previous favorite that’s held onto the top spot due to its special methylcobalamin formulation that’s easier to absorb than other types.

How much vitamin b12 does a senior woman need?

What’s the recommended dosage of vitamin B12 for seniors? The recommended daily allowance of vitamin B12 for adults is 2.4 micrograms. Experts have estimated that a Western diet contains 5-7 micrograms of vitamin B12, and a multivitamin often contains 12-25 micrograms.

How can I raise my b12 levels fast?

To increase the amount of vitamin B12 in your diet, eat more of foods that contain it, such as: Beef, liver, and chicken. Fish and shellfish such as trout, salmon, tuna fish, and clams. Fortified breakfast cereal. Low-fat milk, yogurt, and cheese. Eggs.

Can Vitamin b12 deficiency cause night sweats?

Functional vitamin B12 deficiency is common and a major cause of morbidity. It can manifest with a wide variety of symptoms including fatigue and drenching night sweats . Low threshold should be kept to measure markers of vitamin B12 deficiency in patients presenting with these symptoms .

Which disease is caused due to deficiency of vitamin b12?

Folic acid is also called folate . It is another B vitamin. Either a lack of vitamin B-12 or a lack of folate causes a type of anemia called megaloblastic anemia (pernicious anemia ). With these types of anemia , the red blood cells don’t develop normally.

What happens if my b12 is too 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.

What medications should not be taken with b12?

Certain medications can decrease the absorption of vitamin B12, including: colchicine , metformin , extended-release potassium products, antibiotics (such as gentamicin, neomycin, tobramycin), anti-seizure medications (such as phenobarbital, phenytoin, primidone), medications to treat heartburn (such as H2 blockers