B12 deficiency in elderly

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.

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.

How much b12 does an elderly person 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.

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.

How do you know if your b12 is low?

Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency A mild deficiency may cause no symptoms. But if untreated, it may lead to symptoms such as: Weakness, tiredness, or lightheadedness. Heart palpitations and shortness of breath.

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.

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 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.

Should you take b12 daily?

Safety and side effects. When taken at appropriate doses, vitamin B-12 supplements are generally considered safe. While the recommended daily amount of vitamin B-12 for adults is 2.4 micrograms, you can safely take higher doses. Your body absorbs only as much as it needs, and any excess passes through your urine.

Why is vitamin b12 important for elderly?

B12 is important for creating red blood cells and DNA, and for maintaining healthy nerve function. “Getting enough B12 is a challenge for older people because they can’t absorb it from food as well as younger people,” says Tucker. “Even if your diet contains enough, you may be falling short.”

How long does it take for b12 supplements to work?

A response usually is seen within 48 to 72 hours , with brisk production of new red blood cells. Once B12 reserves reach normal levels, injections of vitamin B12 will be needed every one to three months to prevent symptoms from returning.

What causes a b12 deficiency?

However, the most common cause of vitamin B-12 deficiency anemia is a lack of a substance called intrinsic factor, which can be caused when your immune system mistakenly attacks the stomach cells that produce this substance. This type of anemia is called pernicious anemia .

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 .

Can low b12 cause weight gain?

People with vitamin B12 deficiency are likely to experience a wide range of symptoms, though weight gain is unlikely one of them. If you’re experiencing unexplained weight gain , consider discussing it with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian to determine the root cause .