How common is vitamin b12 deficiency in the elderly ?

Not rare: Estimated that 10-15% of people over age 65 have B12 deficiency, with or without symptoms (anemic, neurologic, mental status, hearing, dementia, balance, etc). Can be checked with blood tests; easily rxd; late neural findings may not be reversible.

Not very common: If elderly person is not on a vegan diet and regularly consumes fish, chicken or meat, it is very rare. Poor eaters are at risk for all vitamin deficiencies.

39%low or suboptimal: B12 deficiency is relatively uncommon in younger people but the incidence rises dramatically in the elderly due to increased difficulties with absorption (often caused by medication). Up to 15% of elderly are deficient and up to 39% have suboptimal levels. See www.Ars.Usda.Gov/is/pr/2000/000802.Htm & www.Nytimes.Com/2011/11/29/health/vitamin-b12-deficiency-can-cause-symptoms-that-mimic-aging.Html.

Quite common: Underlying malnutritions, medications, strophic gastritis &dietary preferences will play a role.Important to diagnose since it treatable easily.

Very common: In some studies, up to 45% of the elderly are vti B12 deficient(depends on ethnicity). B12 deficiency maybe due to a problem with taking the B12 off of the food or can be an absorption problem form lack of intrinsic factor or antibodies to other factors needed to absorb B12 through the small bowel. Treatment can be tablets(in first case) or injections/nasally or under the tongue.