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Vitamin B12 deficiency in the institutionalized elderly: A regional study
C W Wong1, C Y Ip1, C P Leung1
1Caritas Medical Centre (Hospital Authority), Wing Hong Street, Shum Shiu Po, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
Experimental Gerontology
|July 1, 2015
Summary
Vitamin B12 deficiency is common in institutionalized elderly, affecting over a third of residents studied. Macrocytosis, an indicator of potential deficiency, was not a reliable predictor in this population.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Nutritional Science
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Vitamin B12 deficiency prevalence increases with age, particularly in institutionalized elderly.
- Suboptimal vitamin B12 levels can lead to various health complications in older adults.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the prevalence of vitamin B12 and folate deficiency in institutionalized elderly residents.
- To assess the relationship between vitamin B12 deficiency and macrocytosis in this demographic.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of serum vitamin B12 and folate levels in 1996 institutionalized residents aged over 65.
- Assessment of macrocytosis prevalence and its correlation with vitamin B12 levels.
Main Results:
- Vitamin B12 deficiency was found in 34.9% of residents, and folate deficiency in 11.8%.
- Macrocytosis was present in 24.2% of vitamin B12 deficient individuals, but did not reliably predict deficiency.
- Severe vitamin B12 deficiency (serum vitamin B12 <100 pmol/L) showed a significant association with macrocytosis.
Conclusions:
- Vitamin B12 deficiency is highly prevalent in institutionalized elderly individuals.
- Macrocytosis is an unreliable indicator for predicting vitamin B12 deficiency in this population.
- Consideration for more frequent vitamin B12 status testing in institutionalized elderly is recommended.
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