[10] [11] It is important to check folate status alongside B12, but folate supplementation should not be started before excluding B12 deficiency, as this may precipitate neurological complications
[39] The elderly are at increased risk because they tend to produce less stomach acid as they age, a condition known as achlorhydria, thereby increasing their probability of B 12 deficiency due to reduced absorption
For example, while many people with Alzheimers disease are found to have low vitamin B12 levels, there is no improvement in cognitive function after supplementation with high doses of vitamin B12
According to doctors, the combination of antidepressants and vitamin B12 leads to an improvement in the condition of patients with depression compared to taking medication alone
The exact cause matters because some absorption problems are persistent, while others may be treatable or need specialist review