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[B vitamins in geriatrics - what to determine, what to replace?]
Marija Djukic1,2, Christine A F von Arnim3
1Abteilung für Geriatrie, Evangelisches Krankenhaus Weende.
Deutsche Medizinische Wochenschrift (1946)
|January 29, 2021
Summary
Vitamin deficiencies, particularly B vitamins (B6, B12, folic acid, B1), are linked to stroke and dementia risk, especially in older adults. Understanding these deficiencies is crucial for neurological health.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Nutritional Science
- Geriatrics
Background:
- Vitamin deficiencies, especially B vitamins (B6, B12, folic acid, B1), are emerging risk factors for stroke and dementia.
- Aging is associated with metabolic and nutritional changes, increasing vulnerability to vitamin deficiencies.
- Neurological effects of vitamin deficiencies in geriatric patients are often overlooked.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of the current knowledge on water-soluble B vitamins.
- To discuss the basics, causes, diagnostics, and therapeutics of B vitamin deficiencies.
- To present recent findings and recommendations from professional societies.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent findings and recommendations.
- Synthesis of information on B vitamins (B6, B12, folic acid, B1) and homocysteine.
- Overview of diagnostic and therapeutic concepts.
Main Results:
- New findings and recommendations regarding B vitamins (B6, B12, folic acid, B1) have been published by professional societies.
- B vitamin deficiencies are increasingly recognized as risk factors for neurological conditions like stroke and dementia.
- Critical, unspecific vitamin supplementation is common and often lacks a scientific basis.
Conclusions:
- Age-related nutritional changes increase the risk of B vitamin deficiencies and subsequent neurological issues.
- Accurate diagnosis and targeted therapy of B vitamin deficiencies are essential for preventing stroke and dementia.
- Current research and professional society recommendations highlight the importance of B vitamins for cognitive and neurological health.
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