(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
Razi Berry, Founder and Publisher of Naturopathic Doctor News & Review (ndnr.com) and NaturalPath (thenatpath.com), has spent the last decade as a natural medicine advocate and marketing whiz. She has galvanized and supported the naturopathic community, bringing a higher quality of healthcare to millions of North Americans through her publications. A self-proclaimed health-food junkie and mother of two; she loves all things nature, is obsessed with organic gardening, growing fruit trees (not easy in Phoenix), laughing until she snorts, and homeschooling. She is a little bit crunchy and yes, that is her real name.
