Vitamin B12 Deficiency Is Linked To Depression Risk In Older Adults

Vitamin B12 deficiency status is associated with depressive symptoms in older adults but folate deficiency is not associated with depression.

This finding is shown in a new study published in the British Journal of Nutrition.

About Vitamin B-12
Vitamin B-12 is also known as cobalamine or cyanocobalamine, owing to the presence of the metal, cobalt. Cyanocobalamine is used in most supplements because it is readily converted to active forms of vitamin B-12 in the body.

‘Over 4 years, low vitamin B12 level but not folate is associated with incident depressive symptoms in older adults.’

Tweet it Now

Deficiency of the B-vitamins such as folate and vitamin B12 are highly present in older people. In Ireland, one in eight older adults are reported to have low B12 status due to low dietary intake from age-related deficits.

Some of the negative consequences of low vitamin B12 status include megaloblastic anemia, impaired cognitive function, or damage to the protective covering (myelin sheath) that surrounds the nerve fibers of the brain.

The link between folate deficiency or low B12 status and depression in later life is not explained well.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment & Prevention
Deficiency of vitamin B12 can result in hematological, neurological and psychological complications which are life-threatening.

To understand the link, a new study examined the relationship between folate and vitamin B12 status and its associations with greater prevalence of depressive symptoms in a group of community-dwelling older adults.

The study used data from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA), and examined participants aged 50 years and over for measurement of blood levels of folate and vitamin B12. They were then screened for depression.

Lack of Sleep Linked to Vitamin Deficiencies
Vitamin deficiency is one of the factors that cause difficulty in falling asleep or staying asleep, so consume a well-balanced diet that also includes vitamins necessary for a good quality sleep.

Researchers observed that those with deficient-low B12 status had a 51% increased likelihood of developing depressive symptoms over 4 years. No such associations were observed for folate.

These findings remained robust even after controlling for relevant adjusting factors such as physical activity, chronic disease burden, vitamin D status, cardiovascular disease, and antidepressant use.

World Mental Health Day 2021 - Let's Make Mental Health Care for All
World Mental Health Day celebrated on 10th October will showcase the efforts made globally to raise awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilize those efforts in support ofpeople living with mental illness.

Other factors that influence micronutrient status in older adults included obesity, medication use, smoking, wealth, gender, and geographic location.

Researchers also found that as age increased, the risk of depression decreased.

These observations provide reassurance for food policymakers that fortification of foods to increase levels of these vitamins could have the potential for benefits in the prevention of this condition.

This study is important when there is a growing momentum to introduce a mandatory food fortification policy of B-vitamins in Europe and the UK.

Given the rise in loneliness and depression in older adults after the onset of COVID-19 restrictions, this study highlights the importance of increasing B12 intake or supplementation to help mitigate against potential risk factors of depression in older adults.

Source-Medindia