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Vitamin B12 deficiency in Australian residential aged care facilities
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 11:37 authored by Corinne MirkazemiCorinne Mirkazemi, Gregory PetersonGregory Peterson, Peter TenniPeter Tenni, Shane JacksonShane JacksonAbstract: Objective: To determine the prevalence of undiagnosed vitamin B12 deficiency among residential aged care facility residents in southern Tasmania, Australia, and to identify associated risk factors. Design and Setting: Cross-sectional study of residents from five southern Tasmanian residential aged care facilities. Participants: Two hundred and fifty-nine residents without a prior diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency or recorded serum B12 level within the past 6 months were approached to have their serum B12 level tested. One hundred and sixty (61%) residents consented and their doctors were contacted for further consent. A total of 130 (50%) residents completed the study. Measurements: Clinical and demographic characteristics, and serum B12 level. Results: Of the 130 residents tested, 18 residents (14%) were considered vitamin B12 deficient (serum level <150 pmol/L), 47 (36%) were equivocal (150 pmol/L to 250 pmol/L) and 65 (50%) had normal serum B12 levels (>250 pmol/L). There was a weak negative correlation between age and serum B12 level in those residents not taking a multivitamin (n=120, r=-0.19, p<0.05). The use of a multivitamin or antipsychotic drug were associated with altered mean serum B12 levels (+137 pmol/L, p<0.001 and -70 pmol/L, p<0.001 respectively). Conclusion: As vitamin B12 deficiency can manifest in a range of symptoms that are frequently misdiagnosed, the finding of undetected deficiency in 14% of residents is a cause for concern. Oral multivitamin supplementation may help prevent deficiency, and potentially treat existing deficiencies in older institutionalised people.
History
Publication title
Journal of Nutrition, Health and AgingVolume
16Pagination
277 - 280ISSN
1279-7707Department/School
School of Pharmacy and PharmacologyPublisher
Editions S E R D IPlace of publication
320 Rue Saint-Honore, Paris, 75001 FranceRights statement
Copyright 2012 Serdi and Springer Verlag FranceRepository Status
- Restricted