Vitamin B12 Deficiency and Depression in the Elderly: Review ...
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov › pmc › articlesAlthough vitamin deficiencies are relatively uncommon in the Western world, it is estimated that 10% to 15% of individuals over the age of 60 years may suffer from B 12 deficiency and it is believed that atrophic gastritis type B, which may afflict 20% to 50% of the elderly, may lead to poor absorption of B 12 and folate. 2 – 4 As the population ages, nutrition and its impact on the health of the elderly become increasingly important in health maintenance of the elderly.
Vitamin B12 deficiency in the elderly - PubMed
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov › 10448529Vitamin B12 deficiency is estimated to affect 10%-15% of people over the age of 60, and the laboratory diagnosis is usually based on low serum vitamin B12 levels or elevated serum methylmalonic acid and homocysteine levels. Although elderly people with low vitamin B12 status frequently lack the classical signs and symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency, e.g. megaloblastic anemia, precise evaluation and treatment in this population is important.
Vitamin B12 deficiency in the elderly: is it worth screening?
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov › 25756278Vitamin 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. The deficiency most often goes unrecognised because the clinical manifestations are highly variable, often subtle and non-specific, but if left undiagnosed the consequences can be serious.