Benefits of B12 for Older Adults B12 has a number of benefits for overall health in older adults: Boosts energy and reduces fatigue Prevents memory loss and reduces the risk of dementia and Alzheimers Improves mood and reduces depression and anxiety Reduces the risk of heart and arterial disease Normalizes cholesterol levels Promotes healthy skin, hair and nails Fosters a healthy gut biome to improve digestion Supports DNA synthesis and mitochondrial function Helps prevent cancer, including cervical, prostate and colon cancers Supports red blood cell production and prevents anemia
Because B12 is obtained through consuming animal-based products such as meat, milk, cheese, and eggs, vegans are at a higher risk of developing a b12 deficiency
What the Authoritative Sources Say About B12 Deficiency and Supplementation The National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements publishes the most thorough citation-backed overview of vitamin B12 its role in red blood cell formation and neurological function, the populations most at risk for deficiency (older adults, people on long-term metformin or proton pump inhibitors, vegetarians and vegans, people who have had gastric bypass surgery), and the recommended daily intake at each life stage
Here's exactly how it works, what the science does and doesn't yet show, and how it's used safely under medical supervision
A blood test is the only way to confirm it
However, the efficacy was insufficient for drug registration