- Seniors are at Risk for Vitamin B12 Deficiency - ZwieRys
B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for many body processes, including the formation of red blood cells, synthesis of DNA, and proper brain function. Many seniors have a higher risk of experiencing low vitamin B12 levels due to a number of factors. Insufficient levels of vitamin B12 may result in a variety of symptoms that may include permanent nerve damage and symptoms of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.
Seniors at Risk for Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Natural vitamin B12 is bound to proteins in various foods such as meats and eggs. Hydrochloric acid and protease in the stomach work to release vitamin B12 so that the body can use it. Approximately 10% to 30% of seniors have atrophic gastritis, which results in lower levels of hydrochloric acid secretion in the stomach. This less acidic state may also increase normal bacteria in stomach. These bacteria may use the vitamin B12 before it can benefit the body.
Foods that are fortified with vitamin B12 do not seem to be affected by atrophic gastritis; therefore, the Institute of Medicine of the National Academies recommends that people who are 50 years and older use vitamin supplements and/or fortified foods to maintain normal vitamin B12 levels in addition to a healthy diet. Those with atrophic gastritis may need to take doses higher than the Recommended Daily Allowances (RDA) to achieve normal serum levels. Readers may wish to review foods with natural or fortified levels of vitamin B12.
Conditions of the gastrointestinal tract may place seniors at risk for B12 deficiency due to improper absorption of the vitamin. Approximately 1-2% of seniors have pernicious anemia, which causes the body to lack intrinsic factor, which is a protein necessary for proper absorption of normal amounts of B12.
Other conditions that may affect the proper absorption of vitamin B12 include Crohn’s disease and previous surgeries involving the gastrointestinal tract. Some seniors may have celiac disease, which is commonly underdiagnosed in many countries, including the United States. This condition of gluten intolerance can also result in malabsorption of vitamin B12.
Other factors, such as a diet that does not contain sufficient amounts of vitamin B12 or chronic alcoholism, may also cause vitamin B12 deficiency in seniors. Other seniors have B12 deficiency due to unknown reasons.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency and Dementia
Subtle changes in cognitive, or brain, function may be an early symptom of several of the gastrointestinal disorders mentioned above. Cognitive symptoms are often attributed to older age, but confusion is not a normal change of aging. Other conditions, such as diabetes, stroke, and Parkinson’s may have some similar symptoms, but these changes may be due to vitamin B12 deficiency, which includes the following neurological symptoms:
- tingling in the hands and feet
- problems concentrating
- balance problems
- depression
- confusion
- failing memory
- dementia
Homocysteine tends to increase in the blood when vitamin B12 levels drop. Alzheimer’s disease and dementia are often associated with higher homocysteine levels and vitamin B12 deficiency in the blood. Although several studies have looked at treating people with dementia with supplemental vitamin B12 with the hope that brain function would improve, most of the studies have been inconclusive at this point.
Neurological symptoms may begin to appear before anemia in those who have low levels of vitamin B12. Seniors who are experiencing neurological symptoms, even those that are subtle, should have those changes thoroughly assessed by a healthcare professional. Some nerve damage and neurological symptoms may be irreversible in late stages of vitamin B12 deficiency.
Confusion and Depression May Result from Low Vitamin B12 Levels
Vitamin B12 deficiency is a common finding in seniors due to changes of aging, intestinal conditions, and perhaps lifestyle. Confusion, depression, and dementia are just a few of the neurological symptoms associated with vitamin B12 deficiency. Perhaps with early diagnosis and early treatment, some of these symptoms may be reversed or halted before they become permanent.
Information in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice.
Sources:
National Institutes of Health online article entitled "Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet: Vitamin B12"
U.S. National Library of Medicine 1/31/2010 online article entitled "Anemia: B12 deficiency"
Katrena Wells - Katrena Wells is a RN in NC with 17 1/2 years of experience in oncology, an educator since 1995, and has taught exercise classes since ...
