Lower food intake among the elderly has been associated with lower intakes of calcium, iron, zinc, B vitamins, and vitamin E. This low energy intake or low nutrient density of the diet may increase the risk of diet-related illnesses.
Common vitamin deficiencies among aging adults include: Calcium—important for bone density and strength, calcium is found in dark leafy greens and dairy products, as well as calcium-specific supplements. Calcium deficiency can lead to decreased bone density, lowered mobility, and falls.
Calcium plays many roles in the body. But it is most important for building and maintaining strong bones. Unfortunately, surveys show that as we age, we consume less calcium in our diets. "Calcium is so essential that if you don't get enough, your body will leach it out of your bones," says Zelman.
A deficiency in any vitamin can be catastrophic for health. But vitamin B12 deficiency stands out because a) it's very common — experts have estimated that up to 20% of older adults may be low in this vitamin — and b) it's often missed by doctors.
Diet. Some people can develop a vitamin B12 deficiency as a result of not getting enough vitamin B12 from their diet. A diet that includes meat, fish and dairy products usually provides enough vitamin B12, but people who do not regularly eat these foods can become deficient.
B12 deficiency manifests as macrocytic anemia, and thus, the presenting symptoms often include signs of anemia, such as fatigue and pallor. Due to the increased hemolysis caused by impaired red blood cell formation, jaundice may also be a presenting symptom.
Vitamin B-12 is a water-soluble vitamin that plays an important role in the health of older adults. Vitamin B-12 is involved in making DNA, red blood cell formation, and proper nerve function1. While more research is needed, low vitamin B-12 levels have also been linked to increased bone fracture risk2.
Basically, we need vitamin D for bone growth and to prevent bones from becoming brittle, and calcium wouldn't be able to do its job without vitamin D. For seniors especially, these vitamin D benefits are essential in the prevention of osteoporosis, a disease resulting in reduced bone density.
Vitamin D deficiency is among the most common vitamin deficiencies as people age due to decreased mobility. Magnesium deficiency is one of the most common micronutrient deficiencies.
Seniors need magnesium for energy production. Magnesium is necessary for the structural development of bones. Aging people require sufficient amounts of the mineral to strengthen bones. The mineral transports calcium across cell membranes, which contributes to normal heart rhythms.
While it's not uncommon for some older adults to have low vitamin C levels, serious vitamin C deficiency is rare. Most healthy older adults get all the vitamin C they need from eating a well-balanced diet that's rich in fruits and vegetables.
Adults aged 51 and older have higher vitamin B-6 needs than younger adults. Men need slightly more than women in this age group1. It is important to get the right amount of vitamin B-6. While vitamin B-6 deficiency is rare in the United States, some individuals may not consume the amount they need.
Poor vitamin B6 status has been hypothesized to play a role in the cognitive decline that some older adults experience [19]. Several studies have demonstrated an association between vitamin B6 and brain function in the elderly.
Several factors can cause vitamin D3 and B12 levels to fall in the body. According to Coutinho, long term use of antacids and other medications, heavy treatments like chemotherapy, poor gut health, chronic stress, low stomach acids, fad diets and going completely fat-free can lead to such deficiencies.
Eat vegetables and fruits. Fresh, frozen, or no-salt canned vegetables and fruits in their own juice, water, or light syrup are good choices. Include foods that are high in vitamin B12 in your diet. Good choices are fortified breakfast cereal, milk or other dairy products, meat, poultry, fish, and eggs.
Older adults may have reached the point of their life when they need to get adequate medical care to ensure they are healthy. To achieve this, they may need assistance to get a physical exam, eye checkup, foot care, physical therapy, and nursing care. Older adults need proper nutrition to stay active and healthy.
Vitamin D deficiency can lead to a loss of bone density, which can contribute to osteoporosis and fractures (broken bones). Severe vitamin D deficiency can also lead to other diseases: In children, it can cause rickets. Rickets is a rare disease that causes the bones to become soft and bend.
Approximately 1.5% to 15% of people have vitamin B12 deficiency.
Vitamin B12–deficiency anemia, also known as cobalamin deficiency, is a condition that develops when your body can't make enough healthy red blood cells because it doesn't have enough vitamin B12. Your body needs vitamin B12 to make healthy red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
Sources of 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].
And given B12 is required for the production of red blood cells, a deficiency in Vitamin B12 can lead to a deficiency in Iron. This is why the onset of anemia is often the result of a B12 deficiency rather than an Iron deficiency on its own.
Stage 1 is decreased levels of vitamin B12 in the blood. Stage 2 is low concentration of vitamin B12 in the cell and metabolic abnormalities. Stage 3 is increased levels of homocysteine and MMA and decreased DNA synthesis resulting in neuropsychiatric symptoms. Stage 4 is macrocytic anemia.