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Vitamin B12 and older adults
1Division of Nutritional Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14850, USA. pjs13@cornell.edu
Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care
|November 12, 2009
Summary
Vitamin B12 deficiency poses significant risks for older adults and developing embryos, potentially impacting neural tube development. Further research is crucial for targeted public health interventions to address this widespread nutritional concern.
Area of Science:
- Nutritional Science
- Developmental Biology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Vitamin B12 deficiency is a growing public health concern.
- Susceptibility to deficiency varies across the human lifespan.
- Identifying at-risk populations is critical for preventative strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency.
- To examine the causes and functional significance of vitamin B12 deficiency.
- To focus on vulnerable subpopulations: older adults and the developing embryo.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent scientific data.
- Analysis of epidemiological studies on vitamin B12 status.
- Synthesis of findings on deficiency risks in specific life stages.
Main Results:
- Older adults and developing embryos show increased susceptibility to vitamin B12 deficiency.
- Low vitamin B12 status is linked to neural tube defects in embryonic development.
- Vitamin supplementation and food fortification are potential interventions.
Conclusions:
- Vitamin B12 deficiency prevalence and impact differ across the life cycle.
- Older adults and embryos face the highest risk.
- More research is needed for effective public health interventions tailored to distinct subpopulations.
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