(NaturalPath) According to a study out of the University of Waterloo, a B12 deficiency is a concern in long-term care. The study was conducted in partnership with the Schlegel-University of Waterloo Research Institute for Aging (RIA) and published in Applied Physiology, Nutrition, and Metabolism.
The study was conducted when a high proportion of older adults entering long-term care homes in Ontario were deficient in B12 and others became deficient a year into long-term care.
If the B12 deficiency goes untreated, it could lead to anemia and neurologic complications such as unsteady gait and paralysis. Low levels have also been associated with depression and dementia, increased confusion, lethargy and even osteoporosis.
The authors suggest that a yearly blood test screening for B12 could increase the quality of life of those in long-term care facilities. The vitamin B12 is in meat and dairy products as well as soy milk breakfast cereals.
For more information, read the full study.
http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2016-01/uow-bda011916.php
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