The importance of vitamin b intake

The elderly are prone to vitamin B12 deficiency

After entering old age, there are so many complaints that can arise. Starting from feeling weak to complaints that can lead to decreased activity, such as senility to not recognizing the surrounding conditions anymore.

That's why vitamin B 12 or what is often called mecobalamin is very important for the health of the elderly. But unfortunately, compiled from various studies, it turns out that as many as 30-40% of the elderly actually experience this vitamin deficiency

There are several factors that cause the elderly to experience vitamin B 12 deficiency, including:

Lack of intake of foods rich in vitamin B12.
The reduction in stomach size as you get older makes it more difficult for your body to absorb vitamin B12.
Have pernicious anemia. This type of anemia is autoimmune.
Often consume PPI class drugs, H2 receptor antagonists and metformin.

Some complaints that arise when the body is deficient in vitamin B 12 include:

It is easy to feel tired and lethargic
Decreased appetite
Difficult to defecate
It is easy to feel numb and tingling
Easy to forget
Senile and difficult to concentrate

What are the consequences if the elderly are deficient in vitamin B12?

Research conducted by Eileen Moore, et al, reported that vitamin B12 deficiency in the elderly can accelerate the onset of dementia which can lead to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's.

Parkinson's is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by tremors, stiff joints, and slowed movements. Meanwhile, Alzheimer's is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by complaints of forgetfulness, especially on things that have just been learned or happened. When the symptoms of Alzheimer's get worse, this condition can cause complaints of dementia until they are no longer able to recognize the time, place and people around them; to difficulty speaking, swallowing to walking.

Both of these diseases are commonly found in the elderly who have problems getting enough of their daily vitamin B12. Elderly people who have difficulty absorbing vitamin B 12 or have pernicious anemia are also more likely to experience vitamin B12 deficiency.

In addition, vitamin B12 deficiency will cause chaos in regulating homocysteine production and cause high homocysteine levels. Homocysteine is a form of amino acid, which when the amount accumulates too much in the body will cause nervous system damage.

The more severe the vitamin B 12 deficiency you have, the higher the homocysteine levels in your body.

Deficiency of vitamin B 12 makes the elderly susceptible to heart disease

Not only nervous disorders, vitamin B 12 deficiency can also make you weak due to lack of blood. The reason is to form red blood cells, the body needs adequate intake of vitamin B12. However, because you are deficient in this vitamin, your body cannot produce healthy red blood cells. As a result, you will be prone to anemia.

In addition, high levels of homocysteine in the body due to vitamin B12 deficiency can also increase the risk of narrowing and blockage of blood vessels. This condition is called atherosclerosis, which is very dangerous for heart health and can be fatal.

Then, is there a way to meet the intake of vitamin B12 for the elderly?

The best vitamin intake is obtained from healthy foods. Here is a list of healthy and vitamin B12 rich foods for the elderly:

Shellfish
Salmon
Fortified breakfast cereals
Milk and yogurt
Egg

In addition, you should also try to take vitamin B 12 supplements to meet the body's needs. However, first consult with your doctor about the dosage and how to use it that is safe for your condition.