What are the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency in the elderly?

Vitamin B12 or folate deficiency anaemia can cause a wide range of symptoms. These usually develop gradually, but can worsen if the condition goes untreated.
  • rapid breathing or shortness of breath.
  • headaches.
  • indigestion.
  • loss of appetite.
  • palpitations.
  • problems with your vision.
  • feeling weak or tired.
  • diarrhoea.

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How do you feel when your B12 is low?

Key points about vitamin B12 deficiency anemia

Symptoms include weak muscles, numbness, trouble walking, nausea, weight loss, irritability, fatigue, and increased heart rate. Treatment may include vitamin B12 supplements. It is also important to eat a well-balanced diet.

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What happens if an older person has vitamin B12 deficiency?

Often, more long-term consequences of an advanced B12 deficiency in older people involve weaker red blood cell formation, lower metabolism, impaired nerve functioning, and weaker bone health. B12 deficiencies are also heavily linked with neurological disorders like Alzheimer's or dementia.

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What is the most common reason that vitamin B12 deficiency occurs in older adults?

So why does vitamin B12 deficiency particularly affect older adults? As people get older, their ability to absorb vitamin B12 decreases. This is because aging adults often develop problems with the acids and stomach enzymes needed to process the vitamin.

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What is clinically one of the first signs of vitamin B12 deficiency?

People with vitamin B12 deficiency can have neurological symptoms and/or damage without anemia (lack of red blood cells). General physical symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency can include: Feeling very tired or weak. Experiencing nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.

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Vitamin B12 Deficiency Symptoms | B12 Deficiency | Vitamin B12 - All You Need to Know

31 related questions found

What foods should be avoided if you have B12 deficiency?

It's harder to get your B12 from food if you're on a strict plant-based diet. That means you don't eat any animal products, including eggs or dairy. Your doctor will likely suggest taking a daily or weekly dietary supplement to keep your levels up.

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Why is vitamin B12 deficiency a serious concern?

A lack of vitamin B12 can cause neurological problems, which affect your nervous system, such as: vision problems. memory loss. pins and needles.

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What illnesses cause B12 deficiency?

This can be caused by an underlying condition that affects one of your organs, such as:
  • congestive heart failure – where the heart is unable to pump enough blood around the body.
  • acute liver damage – often caused by drinking excessive amounts of alcohol.

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Should the elderly take B12 supplements?

Vitamin B-12 is an important nutrient for older adults. Many older adults are unable to absorb vitamin B-12 from food sources. Additionally, older adults who consume little to no animal products are at an increased risk for deficiency. Consuming foods fortified with vitamin B-12 is important for older adults.

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What form of B12 is best for elderly?

B-Methylated-II is an excellent option for seniors who may have difficulty swallowing pills, and also have greater needs for folate and B12. Methylfolate and B12 are crucial cofactors in one-carbon metabolism and are both required for the breakdown of homocysteine and in neurological health.

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Is B12 deficiency linked to dementia?

Several studies have been conducted to establish the link between vitamin B12 and Alzheimer's symptoms. Some associate low B12 levels with both the symptoms of Alzheimer's and actual atrophy (shrinkage) of the brain.

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How can I check my B12 level at home?

How do home B12 blood tests work?
  1. You order a test online or pick up a test kit from a store/clinic.
  2. It will likely contain a finger prick and corresponding vial to collect blood from your finger so that it can be tested for vitamin B12.

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Which fruit is rich in vitamin B12?

Bananas are a cheap, healthy, and nutrient-dense fruit that can easily become a part of every individual's diet. It is one of the best fruits rich in vitamin B12. Bananas also contain fibre and potassium. It helps manage blood pressure, reduce stress, and relieve constipation and ulcer problems.

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How long does it take to recover from a B12 deficiency?

Recovery from vitamin B12 deficiency takes time. You may not have any improvement during the first few months of treatment. Improvement may be gradual and may continue for up to six to 12 months.

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Will I ever recover from B12 deficiency?

Once you begin treating your vitamin B12 deficiency, it can take up to six to 12 months to fully recover. It is also common to not experience any improvement during the first few months of treatment. If you can, it's a good idea to address what's causing the deficiency.

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What are 5 foods high in vitamin B12?

Vitamin B12 is naturally present in foods of animal origin, including fish, meat, poultry, eggs, and dairy products [5]. In addition, fortified breakfast cereals and fortified nutritional yeasts are readily available sources of vitamin B12 that have high bioavailability [12,13].

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Is porridge good for B12 deficiency?

A lot of bran and whole wheat oat cereals nowadays come fortified with vitamin B12. These fortified cereals can help you in getting your daily value of vitamin B12. Combine these with milk to increase the nutritional quotient of your meal.

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What organ does vitamin B12 affect?

Vitamin B12, or cobalamin, is naturally found in animal foods. It can also be added to foods or supplements. Vitamin B12 is needed to form red blood cells and DNA. It is also a key player in the function and development of brain and nerve cells.

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Does B12 deficiency affect the stomach?

Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea

Vitamin B-12 deficiency can affect the digestive tract. A lack of red blood cells means that not enough oxygen reaches the gut. Insufficient oxygen here may lead to a person both feeling and being sick. It may also cause diarrhea.

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Can you take vitamin D and B12 together?

Interactions between your drugs. No interactions were found between Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D3. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.

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Does B12 deficiency cause brain fog?

B12 deficiency can also lead to nerve and brain damage. This damage may manifest in symptoms such as brain fog, memory problems, fatigue, depression, muscle fatigue and tingling in the extremities.

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How much B12 should an 80 year old woman take?

Recent reports suggest that, along with a B12-rich diet, consuming 500 micrograms of B12 in the form of a supplement may help individuals over 65 maintain healthy vitamin B12 levels [2]. Taking a vitamin B12 supplement may even help reverse a B12 deficiency and its symptoms, which can include: Fatigue.

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