Dosage of vitamin b12 for seniors
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Optimal Dosage of Vitamin B12 for Seniors
Prevalence of Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Seniors
Vitamin B12 deficiency is a common issue among the elderly, with prevalence rates ranging from 5% to over 20% depending on the criteria used1. This deficiency is primarily due to atrophic gastritis, which reduces the production of gastric acid and digestive enzymes necessary for the absorption of protein-bound vitamin B12 from food sources such as meat, poultry, fish, and dairy1 9.
Recommended Dietary Allowance and Absorption
The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) for vitamin B12 for adults over 50 years is 2.4 micrograms per day. However, due to the decreased ability to absorb protein-bound vitamin B12, it is recommended that seniors obtain their vitamin B12 from supplements or fortified foods, which contain the crystalline form of the vitamin that does not require gastric acid for absorption1 9.
Effective Dosage for Reversing Deficiency
Recent clinical trials suggest that an oral dose of 500 micrograms per day of crystalline vitamin B12 is effective in reversing biochemical signs of vitamin B12 deficiency in older adults1. This dosage is significantly higher than the RDA but is necessary to overcome the absorption issues prevalent in the elderly population.
Daily Losses and Bioavailability
Daily losses of vitamin B12 in healthy adults and elderly individuals range from 1.4 to 5.1 micrograms, and the intake needed to compensate for these losses ranges from 3.8 to 20.7 micrograms per day5. The bioavailability of vitamin B12 from food varies widely, with absorption rates ranging from 4.5% to 83% depending on the food source and the dose consumed5.
Cognitive Function and Vitamin B12
The relationship between vitamin B12 intake and cognitive function in the elderly is complex and not fully understood. While some studies have shown associations between higher vitamin B12 levels and better cognitive function, the evidence is inconsistent and not sufficient to form the basis for specific recommendations2 6. Further research is needed to clarify this relationship and to determine whether vitamin B12 supplementation can help prevent cognitive decline in seniors.
Conclusion
In summary, while the RDA for vitamin B12 is 2.4 micrograms per day for adults over 50, seniors may require higher doses, particularly in the form of supplements or fortified foods, to effectively manage and prevent deficiency. An oral dose of 500 micrograms per day of crystalline vitamin B12 has been shown to reverse deficiency in older adults. However, the relationship between vitamin B12 intake and cognitive function remains unclear, necessitating further research.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
What is an adequate dose of oral vitamin B12 in older people with poor vitamin B12 status?
An oral dose of 500 micrograms/day of crystalline vitamin B12 is needed to reverse biochemical signs of vitamin B12 deficiency in older adults.
Vitamin B12 intake and status and cognitive function in elderly people.
Current evidence on the relationship between vitamin B12 intake and cognitive function is insufficient for developing vitamin B12 recommendations.
Systematic Review
Effects of vitamin B12, folate, and vitamin B6 supplements in elderly people with normal serum vitamin concentrations
Vitamin B12, folate, and vitamin B6 supplements effectively reduce metabolic evidence of vitamin deficiency in elderly individuals with normal serum vitamin levels.
RCT
Highly CitedSystematic Review on Daily Vitamin B12 Losses and Bioavailability for Deriving Recommendations on Vitamin B12 Intake with the Factorial Approach
Daily vitamin B12 losses in adults and elderly range from 1.4 to 5.1 g, and recommended intake ranges from 3.8 to 20.7 g to compensate for these losses.
Systematic ReviewVitamin B12, B6, or Folate and Cognitive Function in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.
Vitamin B12 and folate may not be modifiable risk factors for slowing cognitive decline in community-dwelling older individuals.
Meta-Analysis
Rigorous JournalComparison of two modes of vitamin B12 supplementation on neuroconduction and cognitive function among older people living in Santiago, Chile: a cluster randomized controlled trial. a study protocol [ISRCTN 02694183]
Vitamin B12 supplementation may improve neuroconduction and cognitive function in older people with biochemical evidence of insufficiency, potentially improving their quality of life in Chile.
RCT
Large Human Trial
Very Rigorous JournalVitamin B12 doses and the elderly.
I want to comment further on the vitamin B12 (VB12) doses discussed in Kolber and Houle’s article in the February issue of Canadian Family Physician .[1][1] I have treated most of my elderly patients with VB12 deficiency with oral VB12 for years. Many patients who use 1000 μg of VB12 daily end up
Vitamin B12 deficiency in the elderly.
Elderly individuals with atrophic gastritis should take vitamin B12 supplements or fortified foods to ensure adequate absorption and avoid neurologic complications.
Highly CitedDietary Intake and Status of Vitamin B12 in Slovenian Population
Vitamin B12 deficiency is prevalent in elderly individuals, particularly males, and requires additional attention.
Observational StudyVery Rigorous Journal