Vitamin B Deficiency in Older Adults

Some say life begins at 40 — and this is true for many people who reach this milestone in their lives. While there are many things to look forward to as you turn 40, unexpected health issues and their side effects are NOT one of those.

Unfortunately, as one ages, the risk for certain health concerns increases. Some factors can also make them more prone to issues like a vitamin B complex deficiency that may significantly affect their quality of life.

Take a closer look at the reasons why a lack of vitamin B tends to happen among older adults and senior citizens.
 

Cause #1: High Cholesterol Levels

Many adults become more conscious of their cholesterol levels as they age, and with good reason. While cholesterol can be beneficial for your body’s function, excessive amounts of it can be harmful. High cholesterol levels may damage your arterial walls, trigger the build-up of atherosclerotic plaque in these walls, and raise the risk for various cardiovascular diseases.¹

Findings of a 2023 study revealed that hyperlipidemic patients (AKA people with high cholesterol levels) had deficiencies of vitamins B6, B12, and D. Authors also noted an inverse correlation between vitamin B6 and B12 serum levels among the concerned group and their total cholesterol and non-HDL levels.²
 

Cause #2: Diabetes

Many cases of type 2 diabetes can be diagnosed among adults aged 45 to 64 years old.³ As a result, they are usually prescribed certain medicines to help manage their blood sugar levels, such as metformin. Unfortunately, the link between this drug and a vitamin B12 deficiency has been well-documented.

Researchers note that multiple mechanisms cause a metformin-induced vitamin B deficiency. These include:⁴

• Changes to small intestine motility that cause overgrowth of small intestinal bacteria and prevent vitamin B12 from being absorbed
• Changes to bile acid metabolism and reabsorption that may prevent vitamin B12 circulation
• Increases in the amount of vitamin B12 in the liver can change tissue distribution and metabolism mechanisms of this vitamin
   

Cause #3: Insufficient Dietary Intake of Vitamin B-Rich Food

Even if an older adult is not dealing with high cholesterol levels or a diabetes diagnosis, if they do not eat enough food containing B vitamins, they are at risk for deficiencies and other complications related to them.⁵ A lack of B vitamins in the body can negatively affect certain body functions and systems and potentially even put them at risk for cases of neuropathy or nerve pain.

Adding B vitamin-rich food choices to one’s diet is one of the simplest (and maybe even easiest) ways to reduce one’s risk of developing deficiencies. Good examples include:⁶

• Eggs
• Beef
• Chicken
• Pork
• Salmon
• Leafy green vegetables like spinach and Romaine lettuce
• Liver and organ meats
• Milk
• Yogurt

Can Vitamin B Supplements Work for Older Adults and the Elderly?

While a healthy lifestyle focused on eating a proper diet and exercise should still be prioritized, some doctors can also recommend B vitamin supplementation in older adults and the elderly.

This can be an important measure for older adults who may need to take metformin for diabetes. According to multiple studies, B vitamin supplementation (vitamins B9, B6, or B12) helped raise serum B vitamin levels.⁷

Another positive outcome associated with B vitamin supplementation would be reductions in homocysteine levels.^7,8 Authors of a 2020 study noted that B vitamin supplementation helped improve lipid metabolism, inflammatory status, and homocysteine concentration in people diagnosed with well-controlled, stable coronary artery disease.⁹

This can be good news for people looking to maintain ideal cardiovascular health. Homocysteine is an amino acid typically broken down by vitamins B9 and B12. However, it can increase in number within the body if you lack B vitamins. Increased homocysteine levels can also damage your arterial walls, trigger blockages in blood vessels, and increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke.¹⁰
 

Made With Not Just One, but Five B Vitamins to Help Boost Health

Make your 40s memorable for you for the right reasons! Enjoy the opportunities that life has to offer you without the added risk of B vitamin deficiencies and possible complications.

Ask your doctor today about taking Vitamin B-Complex (Vaneular^®), a vitamin B complex supplement that contains not just one, but five B vitamins, namely:

• Vitamin B1 or thiamine mononitrate (300 mg)
• Vitamin B2 or riboflavin (30 mg)
• Vitamin B3 or nicotinic acid (25 mg)
• Vitamin B6 or pyridoxine HCl (100 mg)
• Vitamin B12 or cyanocobalamin (250 mcg)

Individually, these five B vitamins have specific functions in your body and assist with its optimal function. When they work together, this vitamin B complex dosage for adults helps ensure proper nervous system function and manage neuromuscular disorders in adults, together with proper diet and a healthy lifestyle.¹¹

Suggested use of Vitamin B-Complex (Vaneular®) is one (1) tablet daily or as recommended by your physician. Vitamin B-Complex (Vaneular®) is available in leading drugstores nationwide and online via Lazada and Shopee.

Before taking any form of B vitamin supplement, talk to a doctor or a trusted healthcare professional.

If symptoms persist, consult your doctor.