Vitamin B12 concentrations in the elderly: a regional study

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Nutritional Science
• Clinical Medicine

Background:

• Vitamin B12 deficiency is a growing concern in the elderly population.
• Suboptimal vitamin B12 levels may not present with typical hematological indicators.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the prevalence of low serum vitamin B12 in elderly individuals residing in rest homes and geriatric wards.
• To compare these findings with laboratory data from hospital and community settings.
• To highlight the importance of investigating low vitamin B12 in the elderly.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of 100 subjects over 70 years old.
• Serum vitamin B12 concentration analysis.
• Comparison with hospital and community laboratory data for individuals over 70.

Main Results:

• 23% of elderly subjects in rest homes/geriatric wards had low serum vitamin B12.
• Only 48% of those with low B12 showed hematological signs of megaloblastosis.
• 20-29% of elderly individuals referred for B12 testing in other settings also had low levels.

Conclusions:

• Reduced serum vitamin B12 is prevalent in the elderly population.
• Absence of hematological findings does not rule out vitamin B12 deficiency.
• Guidelines for diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency in the elderly are needed and presented.