Should all seniors get vitamin B12?
Recommended dose of vitamin B12 for the elderly
In general, experts recommend 2.5 mcg of vitamin B12 per day for people over 14 years of age. You can achieve these levels by taking supplements such as multivitamins, B12 supplements including sublingual tablets, or by eating certain foods rich in vitamin B12. 26
Is vitamin B12 good for the elderly?
One of the most important aspects of proper nutrition for older people is healthy levels of vitamin B12. Our bodies need this vitamin, also called cobalamin, to make parts of our DNA, make red blood cells, and keep our nerve cells working, among other things.
How much B12 do seniors need?
The optimal dose of vitamin B12 varies depending on age, lifestyle, and dietary needs. The general recommendation for adults is 2.4 micrograms. Older people, pregnant and lactating women require higher doses.
How much B12 should a 70-year-old woman take?
What is the recommended dose of vitamin B12 for older people? The recommended daily intake of vitamin B12 for adults is 2.4 micrograms. Experts have estimated that the Western diet contains 57 micrograms of vitamin B12, and multivitamins typically contain 1,225 micrograms.
Why is vitamin B12 deficiency common in the elderly?
Vitamin B12 deficiency is common in the elderly. The elderly are at particular risk of vitamin B12 deficiency due to the high prevalence of cobalamin (vitamin B12) malabsorption associated with atrophic gastritis and the increasing prevalence of pernicious anemia with age.
How much B12 should an elderly person take?
Recommended dose of vitamin B12 for the elderly
In general, experts recommend 2.5 mcg of vitamin B12 per day for people over 14 years of age. You can achieve these levels by taking supplements such as multivitamins, B12 supplements including sublingual tablets, or by eating certain foods rich in vitamin B12.
Why is vitamin B12 a concern for the elderly?
Why are older people at risk of vitamin B12 deficiency? As we age, our ability to absorb vitamin B12 tends to decline. Because older people often have problems with stomach acid and the enzymes needed to process the vitamin.
Why do older people not absorb B12?
With age, the ability to absorb vitamin B12 decreases. In fact, older adults often have problems with stomach acids and the enzymes needed to process the vitamin.
Can I take 1000 micrograms of vitamin B12 a day?
The recommended dose for the treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency is 1,000 micrograms per day. The recommended dose to prevent vitamin B12 deficiency is 1,500 mg or 2,500 micrograms (sublingual tablets) daily.
What is the normal level of vitamin B12 in the elderly?
Serum with vitamin B 12 a level between 200 pg/mL and 900 pg/mL is considered normal, but a threshold of 300 to 350 pg/mL is considered a marker of desired status in the elderly.
Is vitamin B12 good for the elderly?
One of the most important aspects of proper nutrition for older people is healthy levels of vitamin B12. Our bodies need this vitamin, also called cobalamin, to make parts of our DNA, make red blood cells, and keep our nerve cells working, among other things.
How much B12 does a woman over 60 need?
Dosage for the elderly
If you are over 60, you should officially start blood tests for vitamin B12 deficiency. At this age, you should be getting about 2.4 micrograms of vitamin B12 per day.
What are the causes of vitamin B12 deficiency in the elderly?
Common risk factors for low vitamin B12 levels in the elderly include: Low stomach acid. This may be due to a weakening of the stomach lining or medications that reduce stomach acid. Medications such as metformin (used for diabetes) that interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12.
What is the most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency in adults?
However, the most common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia is a deficiency of a substance called intrinsic factor, which can be caused by the immune system mistakenly attacking the stomach cells that produce this substance. This type of anemia is called pernicious anemia.
How common is vitamin B12 deficiency in the elderly?
In fact, according to Harvard, up to 20% of people over the age of 50 may be deficient in vitamin B12. In addition to the increased risk associated with age, the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency is increased in older people if they: take certain medications, such as metformin for diabetes or antacids to reduce stomach acid.
Why is vitamin B12 important for the elderly?
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is important for the formation of red blood cells and DNA, as well as maintaining healthy nerve function. “Getting enough vitamin B12 is a challenge for older people because they can’t get it from food in the same way that younger people can,” says Tucker. Even if you have enough in your diet, you can still fail.
