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B12 levels and frailty syndrome
Elisavet E Pyrgioti1, Nikolaos D Karakousis2,3
1Department of Pharmacy, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
Journal of Frailty, Sarcopenia and Falls
|March 16, 2022
Summary
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) levels may impact frailty in the elderly, and vice versa. Maintaining adequate vitamin B12 is crucial for overall health and preventing age-related decline.
Area of Science:
- Nutrition Science
- Gerontology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is essential for human metabolism, DNA synthesis, and neurological function.
- It must be obtained exogenously as humans cannot synthesize it.
- Vitamin B12 deficiency is a global public health concern, particularly prevalent in the elderly.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on the relationship between vitamin B12 levels and frailty in older adults.
- To explore the bidirectional impact of vitamin B12 status and frailty.
Main Methods:
- A narrative, non-systematic mini-review of existing scientific literature.
- Analysis of studies linking vitamin B12 to frailty-associated conditions.
Main Results:
- Vitamin B12 levels are associated with sarcopenia, cognitive, musculoskeletal, and neurological disorders linked to frailty.
- Frailty may influence the bioavailability of vitamin B12.
- Both deficiency and excess vitamin B12 levels can be risk factors for morbidity.
Conclusions:
- Vitamin B12 status is interconnected with frailty in the elderly population.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the complex interplay between cobalamin and age-related frailty.
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