Vitamin B12 is a crucial ingredient for our bodies to function normally. Mood fluctuations, general tiredness, sleeplessness, a loss of appetite, and eyesight issues are just a few of the symptoms of B12 deficiency. While this vitamin can be found in a variety of meals, it is sometimes difficult for seniors to digest these foods effectively. Most aging persons, however, may avoid B12 deficiency by making a few lifestyle modifications. Discover the red flags of B12 deficiency in seniors, and how to avoid them, below.
Check Early for Signals of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Different drugs can affect one’s ability to absorb nutrients like vitamin B12. Those who use diabetic medications or other prescriptions that alter the production of stomach acid are more likely to experience digestive problems. Those who have a B12 shortage should talk to their doctors about changing their prescriptions or attempting other therapy options. Examine your loved one’s over-the-counter medications to see whether the meds are affecting his or her digestive system.
One of the reasons that B12 deficiency remains misdiagnosed in patients is because the symptoms are often confused with those of other age-related problems. This is why, every few years, your loved ones should be evaluated for serious nutritional deficits. If they exhibit warning signals such as tingling, loss of appetite, numbness, cognitive decline, heart palpitations, pale skin, or constipation, you should have them checked for vitamin deficiencies.
Ways to Prevent Vitamin B12 Deficiency
There are a few things your loved ones can do to lower their risk of vitamin B12 deficiency:
- Stop smoking
According to a 2004 study published in the Nutrition Journal, smokers are nearly twice as likely to be vitamin A, B, C, and D deficient. Simply put, nutritional deficits are far more common in smokers. They also have poor dietary habits, which forces their bodies to divert more food reserves to the cells that have been harmed by cigarette products.
- Get your B12 booster
B12 booster shots should be scheduled every few weeks for seniors who have trouble ensuring that they have their supplements. These vaccines work practically instantly, and they allow a doctor to precisely manage the amount of B12 that is injected into a patient’s system. Many patients experience several benefits within a few hours of having these shots, including increased energy and an improved appetite.
- Add multivitamins to your diet
Depending on the nutrients they contain, multivitamins are tailored for particularly specific age groups. Multivitamins for those of age, unlike multivitamins for the youth, usually contain high dosages of vitamins B6 and B12. If your family member has had abdominal or intestinal surgery, these products will be beneficial. Many weight-loss techniques degrade the digestive tract’s effectiveness and make food absorption considerably more difficult.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency Can Be Avoided
Though it’s definitely possible to prevent vitamin B12 deficiency, everyone will have unique care requirements to keep healthy. As such, you may want to consider employing a qualified professional caregiver to assist your loved ones in meeting their daily dietary needs.
Here at Discovery Village At Stuart, we are thrilled to offer our residents a luxurious assisted living experience. Our Sensations Dining program ensures your dietary requirements are always fully met. Contact us today!
