As you age, your body's secretion of intrinsic factor decreases. Adequate amounts of intrinsic factor are needed from your small intestine for vitamin B12 absorption to take place. As you age, your stomach's production of hydrochloric acid also decreases. Vitamin B12 is bound to dietary protein, and it needs adequate amounts of hydrochloric acid in order to be released from dietary protein during digestion.
Significance
Vitamin B12 is an essential water-soluble vitamin that helps you maintain healthy red blood cells and nerve cells. If you are an older person with vitamin B12 deficiency, you may be at risk for brain atrophy. Brain atrophy may increase your risk for impaired cognitive function and Alzheimer's disease. Vitamin B12 deficiency may also place you at risk for hearing loss.
Signs of Deficiency
If you have vitamin B12 deficiency, your bone marrow makes fewer red blood cells than usual. The cells that do form are large and immature, resulting in macrocytic anemia. Your blood levels of B12 may decrease below normal levels. You may experience numbness and tingling in your hands and legs, inability to keep your balance when walking, weakness,excessive fatigue and depression.
Food Sources
Vitamin B12 is present in animal products. To avoid deficiency, you are advised to eat foods rich in vitamin B12 regularly. These include milk, yogurt, meat, poultry, fish, eggs and fortified cereals. A registered dietitian can help you develop a meal plan containing sufficient vitamin B12. If you are unable to absorb the vitamin B12 in your diet due to a lack of hydrochloric acid or intrinsic factor, you may need a vitamin B12 supplement.
Supplements
You should consult your doctor before taking a vitamin B12 supplement. A vitamin B12 supplement should contain an active form of the vitamin such as cyanocobalamin or hydroxocobalamin. The recommended daily allowance for vitamin B12 is 2.4 micrograms for males and females over 14 years of age. If you have a deficiency of intrinsic factor, you may not be able to absorb enough vitamin B12 from taking an oral supplement and may benefit more from vitamin B12 injections or a gel form of vitamin B12 taken intranasally.
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