Vitamin B12 is essential for the proper functioning of our brain and nervous system. Found naturally in foods of animal origin, vitamin B12 tends to be less well absorbed with age. This is why many elderly people suffer from vitamin B12 deficiency with consequences for their health.
Vitamin B12 is an essential nutrient for the proper functioning of the body. In particular, it participates in the synthesis of our DNA, the good health of our cells, the production of our red blood cells and contributes to the proper functioning of our neurological functions.
Naturally present in our diet, each individual is full of vitamin B12 (the recommended standard is 2.4 micrograms per day and per adult) by eating products of animal origin such as dairy products, meat, fish, shellfish, or eggs.
The vitamin B12 thus assimilated is absorbed by the blood during digestion thanks in particular to stomach acid and another substance called "intrinsic factor", to be then stored by the liver and used over time.
People who do not consume dairy products, meat, fish, eggs, and in general animal products, are logically subject to a vitamin B12 deficiency.
But this problem is also common in seniors, even if their diet is varied, because the absorption of this vitamin by the body is more difficult with age, in particular due to the normal decline in aging of the production of stomach acid and another substance that helps to properly assimilate vitamin B12. It is estimated that a third of people over 50 are affected by a vitamin B12 deficiency, and even more after 65.
Certain diseases (autoimmune, Crohn's, etc.), or drugs to treat diabetes (metformin), for example, can also cause such a deficiency because they block the normal process of absorption. vitamin B12.
Lack of vitamin B12 can manifest itself in different ways. Seniors affected by this deficiency can suffer from anemia, i.e. a decrease in the production of red blood cells which causes a state of weakness and great fatigue. Other physical signs such as shortness of breath, dizziness, palpitations, numbness of the feet and hands, cramps, or even constipation may appear in the event of vitamin B12 deficiency.
Since vitamin B12 is essential for the proper functioning of our brain, a deficiency can also result in memory loss, mood disorders, irritability, etc.
A vitamin B12 deficiency is quite difficult to detect, at least initially. Most often, anemia that causes great fatigue is the sign that suggests this dysfunction. Lack of vitamin B12 is confirmed by a blood test if certain findings are seen such as a decrease in the number of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets; a decrease in hematocrit (ratio of the volume of red blood cells to blood volume); or even a drop in hemoglobin.
Seniors who suffer from vitamin B12 deficiency have several solutions to remedy this problem. Increase their intake of foods rich in vitamin B12. Enrich their natural contributions with food supplements, most often in the form of capsules. For the most severe deficiencies, the doctor may also prescribe vitamin B12 injections.
