Lack of vitamin B in older adults

• April 25, 2024

Recent studies indicate that 10% to 30% of adults over 51 years of age may experience poor absorption of vitamin B-12, according to research from the National Academy of Sciences' Institute of Medicine . Therefore they have launched the recommendation to this sector to consume this vitamin in its synthetic form, more than in foods that contain it naturally.

The malabsorption of this vitamin in adults and older adults is attributable to a low activity of the digestive enzyme called pepsin and gastric acid secretion, which interferes with the adequate absorption of b12 vitamin in your diet.

It is necessary to make an appropriate diagnosis to prevent the damage caused by the deficiency of this vitamin. Mexico still has little information about the characteristics of the elderly person's environment, however it is known that, although almost 40% receive food aid, programs focused on these people are not designed to meet the needs of the elderly. micronutrients such as iron and others, according to publications of the Center for Nutrition and Health Research, National Institute of Public Health.

Due to physiological changes that causes age, and older adults should have a feeding based on a balanced and complete diet, which includes all the food groups of preference, with the exception of those people who suffer from a specific disease that prevents them from eating certain foods.

Video Medicine: Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Older Adults (April 2024).