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  • Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Elders

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    soumya rahul
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    This document discusses vitamin B12 deficiency in the elderly. It notes that up to 40% of adults may have below normal B12 levels, and lists symptoms of deficiency such as weakness, loss of appetite, numbness, and difficulty maintaining balance. Left untreated, B12 deficiency can lead to neurological problems and ultimately nerve damage, brain atrophy, dementia and Alzheimer's. Groups most commonly affected include those over 60, vegetarians/vegans, alcohol abusers, and those with digestive disorders or weight loss surgery. The document advises maintaining B12 levels through diet, supplements under a doctor's guidance, and regular medical tests.

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    This document discusses vitamin B12 deficiency in the elderly. It notes that up to 40% of adults may have below normal B12 levels, and lists symptoms of deficiency such as weakness, loss of appetite, numbness, and difficulty maintaining balance. Left untreated, B12 deficiency can lead to neurological problems and ultimately nerve damage, brain atrophy, dementia and Alzheimer's. Groups most commonly affected include those over 60, vegetarians/vegans, alcohol abusers, and those with digestive disorders or weight loss surgery. The document advises maintaining B12 levels through diet, supplements under a doctor's guidance, and regular medical tests.

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    17 views12 pages

    Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Elders

    Uploaded by

    soumya rahul
    This document discusses vitamin B12 deficiency in the elderly. It notes that up to 40% of adults may have below normal B12 levels, and lists symptoms of deficiency such as weakness, loss of appetite, numbness, and difficulty maintaining balance. Left untreated, B12 deficiency can lead to neurological problems and ultimately nerve damage, brain atrophy, dementia and Alzheimer's. Groups most commonly affected include those over 60, vegetarians/vegans, alcohol abusers, and those with digestive disorders or weight loss surgery. The document advises maintaining B12 levels through diet, supplements under a doctor's guidance, and regular medical tests.

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    © All Rights Reserved
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    of 12

    Vitamin B12

    Deficiency In
    Elderly
    By: Susan Jose
    Ahmed Ali Kanoo H.C
    Elderly Mobile Unit Staff
    What is Vitamin B12
    Deficiency?
    A Vitamin B12 deficiency can have serious
    consequences, yet up to 40% of adult population are
    believed to have below normal levels of vitamin B12.

    Deficiency symptoms include weakness, loss of


    appetite, constipation, numbness or tingling in the
    arms and legs, difficulty maintaining balance, and
    shortness of breath.
    Symptoms of Vitamin B12
    Deficiency

    Hairfall

    Weakness

    Shortness of
    breath Loss of Appetite
    Difficulty in
    Numbness or Tingling in
    Maintaining Balance
    Arms & Legs Constipation
    Other Possible Symptoms
    ➢ Brain fog,

    ➢ Alzheimer’s

    ➢ Fibromyalgia,

    ➢ Dementia,

    ➢ Neuropathy symptoms
    What Happens if Vitamin B12
    Deficiency is left untreated…..?

    If left untreated, B12 Deficiency can be a host of neurological


    problems including- Neuropathy, Neuropsychiatric
    manifestations, and impaired vision, taste, and smell.

    In the long term, this can ultimately lead to permanent


    nerve and brain damage, brain atrophy, Dementia and
    Alzheimer's.
    Most Commonly Affected Vitamin B12
    Deficiency Groups

    Age 60 or More Vegetarians or Vegans

    Abuse alcohol, Nitrous Oxide Have had weight loss


    or are HIV-positive. surgery have

    H. pylori, the bacteria that Irritable Bowel Syndrome or


    causes ulcers have an eating disorder

    Takes acid-suppressing Have a chronic digestive


    drugs, or takes Metformin for disorder such as Crohn’s,
    diabetes* Celiac Disease.
    Long Term Health Issues in Elderly…
    Research is now diving deeper
    into a number of health related
    illnesses that could be directly or
    indirectly linked to a Vitamin B12
    deficiency.

    Some of these illnesses are age


    related muscular degeneration, neural
    tube defects, cardiovascular disease,
    cognitive diseases, osteoporosis and
    other age related diseases.
    Normal Levels of Vitamin B12 in Elderly
    A serum vitamin B12 level between 200 pg/mL
    and 900 pg/mL is considered normal, but a
    threshold of 300 to 350 pg/mL is recognized as
    a marker for a desirable status in the elderly.

    Below 300 pg/ml is considered as


    Deficiency and will require
    Medical Attention.
    Do’s & Don'ts
    What to Do? What not to do ?
    ● Adding Vitamin B12 Rich ● Do not self treat if diagnosed
    food to Diet on Daily Basis. with an illness or Vitamin
    ● Taking Vitamin B12 & Deficency.
    Multivitamin Supplents after ● Consulating and treating with
    consulting the Doctor more than one Medical
    ● Doctor’s Check up and Blood Practioner if Diagnosed.
    tests to be done in regularly ● Regular Vitamin & Minerals
    according to the advice from Check-up to know the levels if
    the Doctor. not Diagnosed.
    THE END

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