What causes B12 deficiency in older adults?

B12 deficiency in older adults mainly stems from malabsorption due to decreased stomach acid (atrophic gastritis), which hinders B12 release from food, and common medications (like antacids/PPIs, metformin). Other causes include autoimmune conditions (pernicious anemia), digestive diseases (Crohn's, celiac), stomach/intestinal surgeries, and sometimes inadequate dietary intake, though less common.

What is the major cause of low vitamin B12 in older adults?

But due to changes in digestion as we age, which includes a decrease in stomach acid production, the body's ability to absorb B12 can decline. Regular use of antacids and ulcer medications can also interfere with B12 absorption. The recommended daily intake of B12 for adults in 2.4 micrograms.

How long does it take to recover from a B12 deficiency?

Recovery from B12 deficiency varies, with mild cases seeing energy improvements in days to weeks, anemia resolving in 1-2 months, but nerve issues taking 3-12 months or longer, with full healing potentially taking years, especially for severe or long-term damage; some permanent nerve issues may not fully resolve, and lifelong treatment may be needed for absorption problems like pernicious anemia, requiring ongoing supplements or injections. 

Does vitamin B12 interact with amlodipine?

There were no interactions found between amlodipine and Vitamin B12. However, this does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.

Can B12 cause nausea?

Taking doses of vitamin B-12 might cause: Headache. Nausea. Diarrhea.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Aging: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

What are the facial signs of B12 deficiency?

Cutaneous manifestations associated with vitamin B12 deficiency are skin hyperpigmentation, vitiligo, angular stomatitis, and hair changes. A diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency is often overlooked in its early stages because these signs are not specific to vitamin B12 deficiency alone.

What kind of B12 is best for seniors?

Active B12 is generally considered to be the best form of B12 for seniors for several reasons. Metabolically active forms of B12 such as methylcobalamin and adenocobalamin require no further conversion in the body.

What medications cannot be taken with B12?

You should be cautious taking Vitamin B12 with medications that reduce stomach acid (like omeprazole, famotidine), diabetes drugs (metformin), antiseizure meds (phenytoin, carbamazepine), colchicine (for gout), aminosalicylic acid, and potentially high doses of Vitamin C, as these can hinder B12 absorption or interfere with its effects. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist about potential B12 interactions with your prescriptions. 

What medications should not be taken with vitamin D3?

Possible interactions include:

• Aluminum. ...
• Anticonvulsants. ...
• Atorvastatin (Lipitor). ...
• Calcipotriene (Dovonex, Sorilux). ...
• Cholestyramine (Prevalite, Locholest). ...
• Cytochrome P450 3A4 substrates, also called CYP3A4 substrates. ...
• Digoxin (Lanoxin). ...
• Diltiazem (Cardizem, Tiazac, others).

What supplements should you not take with amlodipine?

You should avoid St. John's Wort with amlodipine as it makes the drug less effective, and be cautious with supplements that affect potassium levels (like high-potassium salt substitutes) or enzyme function, such as Ginkgo biloba or Ginseng, as these could increase amlodipine levels and side effects, but always consult your doctor before taking any supplement with amlodipine to ensure safety. 

What are the worst symptoms of B12 deficiency?

The worst B12 deficiency symptoms involve severe nerve damage and mental changes, including persistent numbness/tingling, balance/walking difficulties (ataxia), confusion, memory loss, vision problems, psychosis, and hallucinations, which can become permanent if untreated; also severe fatigue, shortness of breath, and heart palpitations signify serious anemia.
 

How long after a B12 injection will I feel better?

When will I feel better? Hydroxocobalamin starts to work straight away. However, it may take a few days or weeks before your vitamin B12 levels and symptoms (such as extreme tiredness or lack of energy) start to improve.

What medical conditions can cause B12 deficiency?

Low B12 is caused by not eating enough (vegans, older adults), poor absorption (pernicious anemia, autoimmune diseases like celiac/Crohn's, gastritis, stomach/intestinal surgery, alcoholism, certain meds), or genetic issues, all preventing the body from getting or using this essential vitamin, vital for nerves and red blood cells. 

Who suffers most from B12 deficiency?

The groups most prone to vitamin B12 deficiency are older adults, individuals with gastrointestinal issues (like Crohn's, celiac, or stomach surgery), those on strict vegan/vegetarian diets, and people taking certain medications (like metformin, PPIs). Deficiency often stems from poor absorption due to age-related stomach changes or autoimmune conditions like pernicious anemia, or insufficient intake from a lack of animal products. 

What happens to the body if the elderly have too little B12?

Vitamin B12 or B9 (commonly called folate) deficiency anaemia occurs when a lack of vitamin B12 or folate causes the body to produce abnormally large red blood cells that cannot function properly. Red blood cells carry oxygen around the body using a substance called haemoglobin.

What are 5 physical signs you're taking too much vitamin D?

Five physical signs you're taking too much Vitamin D (hypervitaminosis) include persistent nausea/vomiting, severe constipation, extreme fatigue, excessive thirst/urination, and muscle weakness, all stemming from dangerously high blood calcium levels (hypercalcemia). Other signs are confusion, irritability, bone pain, and potential kidney stones or kidney damage.
 

Can you take vitamin B12 with high blood pressure medication?

Yes, you can generally take Vitamin B12 with high blood pressure medication, as there are no major interactions, but always check with your doctor first because supplements can affect you, and some medications (like Metformin or PPIs) can lower your natural B12 levels, requiring supplementation. While B vitamins might help lower blood pressure, they aren't a substitute for meds, and consulting your healthcare provider ensures safety and appropriate dosage, especially since some medications interfere with B12 absorption. 

When to take magnesium?

Taking magnesium at the same time every day, whether it's morning or evening, helps keep your levels stable. Some people prefer to take magnesium in the morning with breakfast to make it part of their routine. This may also help avoid potential drowsiness for those sensitive to its calming effects.

What cancels out B12?

There is general consensus that gastric acid–lowering drugs, including proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and H2-receptor antagonists (H2RAs), and the antidiabetes drug metformin can reduce circulating vitamin B-12 concentrations with prolonged use.

Who should avoid taking B12?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Anemia.
• Kidney disease.
• Leber's disease.
• Malabsorption disorder.
• An unusual or allergic reaction to cyanocobalamin, cobalt, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives.
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
• Breast-feeding.

What is cyanocobalamin made of?

Cyanocobalamin is made commercially through large-scale bacterial fermentation, primarily using microbes like Propionibacterium or Pseudomonas, which produce natural B12 forms (like adenosylcobalamin); this mixture is then chemically processed with potassium cyanide, sodium nitrite, and heat to create the stable, synthetic cyanocobalamin form used in supplements and food fortification. It's a complex cobalt-containing molecule, and while bacteria create the core, the "cyano" part comes from the added cyanide. 

Should senior citizens take vitamin B12?

Because up to 30% of adults over 51 years of age have atrophic gastritis with low stomach acid excretion, it is recommended that they meet the RDA for vitamin B12 with supplements and/or fortified foods.

What are the neurological symptoms of B12 deficiency?

Vitamin B12 deficiency causes a wide range of neurological issues, including tingling/numbness (pins and needles), balance/coordination problems (ataxia), memory loss, confusion, depression, vision disturbances, and muscle weakness, often due to damage to the spinal cord (subacute combined degeneration) and peripheral nerves, which can become permanent if untreated.