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Modifying Levels of Maternal Dietary Folic Acid or Choline to Study the Impact of Deficiencies on Offspring Health Outcomes
Published on: June 28, 2024
Vitamin B12 and ageing: current issues and interaction with folate
Catherine F Hughes1, Mary Ward, Leane Hoey
1The Northern Ireland Centre for Food and Health, University of Ulster, Coleraine BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland, UK.
Annals of Clinical Biochemistry
|April 18, 2013
Summary
Vitamin B12 deficiency is common in older adults due to poor absorption, not just diet. Optimal status is crucial for preventing anemia, nerve damage, and age-related diseases.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and Nutritional Science
- Biochemistry and Metabolism
Background:
- Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) status is frequently compromised in the elderly population.
- Adequate dietary intake of vitamin B12 is often insufficient to maintain optimal levels due to age-related declines in absorption.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the challenges in assessing vitamin B12 status in aging individuals.
- To explore the link between vitamin B12, folate, and age-related diseases.
- To address concerns regarding folic acid fortification and its impact on older adults with low vitamin B12.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on vitamin B12 metabolism, assessment, and health implications in aging.
- Analysis of direct and functional indicators for vitamin B12 status.
- Examination of the interplay between vitamin B12 and folate.
Main Results:
- Vitamin B12 absorption significantly diminishes with age, complicating status maintenance.
- No single gold standard assay exists for vitamin B12 measurement; combined indicators are recommended.
- Low vitamin B12 is associated with increased risks of cardiovascular disease, cognitive decline, dementia, and osteoporosis.
Conclusions:
- Maintaining optimal vitamin B12 levels is critical for preventing neurological and hematological issues in the elderly.
- The interaction between vitamin B12 and folic acid, particularly in fortified food environments, requires careful consideration for older adults.
- Further research is needed to refine assessment methods and understand the full spectrum of vitamin B12's role in aging.
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