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In This Episode:
Dr. K explains how older adults can detect, treat, and prevent vitamin B12 deficiency, a common problem that can affect nerve function, red blood cells and brain function.
She covers:
- Introduction to Vitamin B12 Deficiency
- What is Vitamin B12?
- Common Causes of Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Older Adults
- Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
- Pernicious Anemia and Its Relation to B12 Deficiency
- Why Vitamin B12 Deficiency is Often Missed
- Who Should Be Checked for Vitamin B12 Deficiency?
- Testing for Vitamin B12 Deficiency
- Treatment Options for Vitamin B12 Deficiency
- Preventing Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Note:
For the vitamins Dr. K recommended in the episode, you can get them here:
Thorne Vitamin B12: https://amzn.to/4jYsYO9
Natrol Dissolving Vitamin B12: https://amzn.to/4hHWwxH
Get 15% off your first purchase with Adapt Naturals with code BHWA: https://adaptnaturals.com/BHWA
Buy the Multi and get Omega+ free!: https://adaptnaturals.com/BHWAFREEOMEGA
These are affiliate links, so any purchases will help support Better Health While Aging, thank you!
Related episode:
144 – Anemia in Aging: Symptoms and Solutions
Related Resources:
- How to Detect & Treat Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Older Adults
- Neuropsychiatric disorders caused by cobalamin deficiency in the absence of anemia or macrocytosis
- Oral versus intramuscular administration of vitamin B12 for vitamin B12 deficiency in primary care: a pragmatic, randomised, non-inferiority clinical trial (OB12)
- Vitamin B12 in Foods, Food Supplements, and Medicines—A Review of Its Role and Properties with a Focus on Its Stability
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Clare says
My mum has been on PPI medication for several years. About a year ago myself and her husband noticed her memory was deteriorating. She had just had a head injury so it was presumed this was why. She continues to have memory issues and has also been diagnosed with atrial fibrillation. I am starting to wonder if she may have a B12 deficiency. The problem is she couldn’t get in to see her doctor to have a blood test to check and she goes on a 6 week holiday tomorrow. I am concerned that if she does have a B12 deficiency that she may end up with permanent damage if she waits any longer for treatment. My question is, should she take a B12 supplement now to reduce the possible risk or should she wait until she returns from holiday and has had the blood test to confirm? She cannot stop the PPI medication as it’s a long term issue – Barret’s Oesophagus.
Nicole Didyk, MD says
Hi Clare
There’s very little risk to supplement with B12 while you wait for her to be seen by her family physician and have a blood test.