Before, Vitamin B12 deficiency was considered a rare ailment because of the fact that human bodies normally store sufficient Vitamin B12 to be used for several years. However, this is becoming a common ailment nowadays most especially in the population of the elderly. Statistics show that about 5-20% of the elderly population is not receiving optimum nutrition because they are experiencing Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms.

It is a fact that Vitamin B12 deficiency is treatable so there should be nothing to worry about. However, the part where one should worry is the fact that this health condition cannot be easily recognized because Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms are often similar to symptoms of Alzheimer's disease, senile dementia and dementia. Thus, it is encouraged that one should be aware of the symptoms of this kind of ailment in order to ensure proper elderly care.

Loss of appetite, sore mouth or tongue, numb or tingling hands or feet, frequent weakness, fatigue or shortness of breath, pale skin are among the common Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms. If the elder who is suffering from these symptoms is not diagnosed immediately, permanent neurologic consequences and parenthesis of the lower extremities are the worst symptoms that may occur. In much worse cases, death due to anemia or heart failure may result.

Now, what's the best thing to do? Well, first, make sure that the elder is eating B12-rich foods. Among them are cheese, eggs, lamb and beef meats, fish, shellfish, seafood like crab and lobster, and liver. Vitamin B12 is not present in fruits and vegetables but it is mostly found in almost all animal products.  Second, B12 supplements contribute to optimum nutrition. There are lots of B12 supplements available out there. You can choose multivitamins or dietary supplements with only Vitamin B12 in it. It has been recommended that adults should have a minimum of 2.6 micrograms of this vitamin each day. Third, you can choose to avail of elderly care services where experienced caregivers work full time or 24 hours a day.

Vitamin B12 is very important to obtain optimum nutrition because it aids in sustaining healthy blood cells and nervous system plus it helps in DNA development. Be watchful of how the elders behave and what they eat. If Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms become apparent even for just a while, don't disregard. Proper elderly care dictates that you take him or her to the doctor at once.