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Home » Low Vitamin B 12 Associated with Depression in Older Adults

Low Vitamin B 12 Associated with Depression in Older Adults

July 1, 2022
Talya Shahal, MD.
From The Carlat Geriatric Psychiatry Report
Issue Links: Editorial Information | PDF of Issue

Talya Shahal, MD. Dr. Shahal, author of this educational activity, has no relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose.

REVIEW OF: Laird E et al, Br J Nutr 2021;1–22

STUDY TYPE: Prospective cohort study

Deficiencies of both vitamin B12 and folate are highly prevalent among older adults. Depending on the study, 5%–40% of adults older than 50 years have B12 deficiency. Folate deficiency ranges from 1.2% among older adults in countries that mandate folate fortification (such as the US) to 31% in countries without this policy (such as the UK). Low concentrations of both B12 and folate have been correlated with depression in cross-sectional studies; this recent large longitudinal study adds to the evidence base.

The Irish Longitudinal Study on Aging followed 3,849 people who were all at least 50 years old. At baseline, participants underwent measurements including B12 and folate levels, as well as depression screenings with the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D-8); they were reevaluated after two and four years. Participants with deficient-low B12 status at baseline (<185 pmol/L) were 51% more likely to develop depression over four years. There was no association between folate status and depression. These findings remained robust after controlling for physical activity, chronic disease burden, vitamin D levels, cardiovascular disease, and antidepressant use.

Carlat Take

Checking a B12 level in older adults is reasonable, especially given the high rates of B12 deficiency in this population. Supplementation is a low-cost intervention that may decrease a patient’s risk for depression.

KEYWORDS depression folate supplements
    Talya Shahal, MD.

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    Table Of Contents
    Learning Objectives, Diagnostic Challenges in Older Adults, CGPR, Jul/Aug/Sep 2022
    The 3 Ds of Geriatric Psychiatry: Depression, Delirium, and Dementia
    Personality Changes Later in Life: Diagnostic and Treatment Considerations
    Assessing and Treating Delirium in Older Adults
    Structural Brain Changes: How Imaging Affects Management of Late-Life Psychiatric Conditions
    Annual Flu Vaccines
    Low Vitamin B 12 Associated with Depression in Older Adults
    CME Post-Test - Diagnostic Challenges in Older Adults, CGPR, Jul/Aug/Sep 2022
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