Vitamin B12 deficit and development of geriatric syndromes / Déficit de vitamina B12 y desarrollo de síndromes geriátricos

ABSTRACT

Vitamin B12 deficiency or cyanocobalamin is a commoncondition in the elderly. It is repeatedly overlooked due tomultiple clinical manifestations that can affect the blood,neurological, gastrointestinal, and cardiovascular systems,skin and mucous membranes. The various presentations ofvitamin B12 deficiency are related to the development ofgeriatric syndromes like frailty, falls, cognitive impairment,and geriatric nutritional syndromes like protein-energymalnutrition and failure to thrive, in addition to enhan-cing aging anorexia and cachexia. Therefore, interventionsmust be developed to include their screening and diagno-sis to make early and appropriate treatment to prevent itscomplications before they become irreversible.