[Vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiency in the population over 65 years: a descriptive study]

The aim of this study is to establish the prevalence of vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiency in the population of 65 years and over in semi-urban and rural area, as well as investigating the risk factors, and the determining factors of this deficiency in this population and its relationship with the prevalence of concomitant cardiovascular and cognitive diseases.

A cross-sectrionall study conducted in the Geriatrics Outpatients in the period between 2008 and 2010. Demographic, clinical and laboratory were collected at 3 different times.A bivariate analysis was performed with lack of vitamin B12 and folic acid, as the outcome variables.

Vitamin B12 defieciency was found in 16.5% of the sample, and no folic acid deficiency. A strong association was found with vitamin B12 deficiency and cardiac and cerebrovascular diseases, vascular risk factors and drugs administered in prevention of cardiac events and ischaemic stroke.

There was a higher prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in the elderly population in the catchment area of Medina del Campo compared to that found in the literature, but not so with the isolated deficiency of folic acid.