Nutrition Notes: Some symptoms chalked up to old age could be due to vitamin B12 deficiency

Muscle weakness, Incontinence, vision problem, forgetfulness, mood disturbances, unsteady gait are some common symptoms which is found in Elderly People. In actual fact, deficiency of vitamins B12 can cause the symptoms mentioned above.

Because, it is present in many food and food items like beef, milk, fortified breakfast cereal, on an average this micro-soluble vitamin is taken as 3.4 micrograms whereas is 2.4 micrograms is the Recommended Dietary Allowance for adults.

From 1.5% to 15% deficient in this nutrient are those who do not have vitamin B12 efficiently in US and that is all because of medical condition.

As this vitamin is primarily found of vegetarians, animal products and vegans turn towards fortified breakfast cereals, nutritional yeast products for vitamin B12.

Elderly people are at great risk due to deficiency of vitamin B12 because 10 to30 percent of Elderly suffer from atrophic gastritis, condition in which stomach acid is reduced.

For the absorption of B12, hydrochloric acid is needed in stomach. There are many other condition which  can effect the absorption of B12 like pernicious anemia, celiac disease, crohn’s disease and gastric surgery.

Most of Seniors may need higher dose of Vitamin B12 as they are mostly on medications. Prilosec, Prevacid, Tagamet, Pepcid and Zautac, used to treat gastroesophageal reflux of gastric acid into the stomach. Metformin may reduce the absorption of B12 in 10 to 30 % among those who take it because it is used for treatment of diabetes.

Elderly people have low income, which usually causes less intake of meat or other sources of vitamin B12. And even if they can afford meat, any physical disability or depression, improper dentition may prevent them from cooking meals and instead relying on cereals and toasts. And even educed appetite can contribute to same as well.

So, if nest time any Elderly family member is acting or behaving differently, do take them to physician for examine purpose. Many of symptoms are being accepted as a part of aging but they don’t have to be. Hitherto ask and encourage them to have a balanced diet.