Vitamin B12 and older adults.

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Stover PJ

Vitamin B12 and older adults.

Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2010 Jan;13(1):24-7. doi: 10.1097/MCO.0b013e328333d157.

PubMed ID

19904199 [ View in PubMed

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Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: To review the prevalence, causes and functional significance of vitamin B12 deficiency in vulnerable subpopulations including older adults and the developing embryo. RECENT FINDINGS: It is becoming increasingly recognized that the susceptibility to vitamin B12 deficiency may change throughout the life cycle, with the developing embryo and older adults exhibiting elevated risk. Recent data implicate low vitamin B12 status as a risk factor for birth defects resulting from improper neural tube development. The potential for vitamin supplementation and/or food fortification to ameliorate the risk of deficiency in these subpopulations is discussed. SUMMARY: The prevalence and impact of vitamin B12 deficiency varies throughout the life cycle, with older adults and potentially the developing embryo having the greatest risk and susceptibility. Additional research is needed to develop effective public health interventions that address the unique causes of this nutritional deficiency, which differ among at-risk subpopulations.

DrugBank Data that Cites this Article

Drug Targets

Drug	Target	Kind	Organism	Pharmacological Action	Actions
Cyanocobalamin	Methionine synthase	Protein	Humans	Yes	Cofactor	Details
Cyanocobalamin	Methylmalonyl-CoA mutase, mitochondrial	Protein	Humans	Yes	Cofactor	Details