Study of Risk Factors and Clinical Profile of Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Geriatric Population.

Background: Vitamin B12 deficiency is a worldwide deficiency disorder. It affects 5-20% of older adults. There is a need to reduce the consequences of vitamin B12 deficiency for which early risk assessment and management. It can affect several organs, such as the bone marrow and the peripheral and central nervous systems. Psychiatric symptoms such as mental and mood disorders, as well as cognitive dysfunction, are also common in people with Vitamin B12 deficiency. Objectives: To study the risk factors and clinical profile of Vitamin B12 deficiency in the geriatric population. Methodology: 100 elderly patients were enrolled, and their estimated vitamin B12 levels were measured. Results: The study included 100 participants (46 females, 54 males) with an average age of 71.89 ± 4.2 years. 76 people reported tiredness, followed by giddiness. 40 had diabetes, and 38 had hypertension as a comorbidity. The mean hemoglobin is 11.66 ± 1.9 g/dL. The mean MCV is 107.59 ± 28.9. Significant association was noticed between tobacco use and hypothyroidism with respect to vitamin B12 levels, and between hemoglobin, MCV, and vitamin B12 levels. Conclusion: we concluded that not all clinical features of B12 deficiency need to be present simultaneously; hematological findings can be minimal or absent. vitamin B12 levels may be normal in some patients with deficiency symptoms and therefore, we cannot rely on B12 estimation alone. Early initiation of treatment will reverse progressive neurological deterioration in patients with Vitamin B12 Deficiency.