Dietary Sources of B12
Animal protein is the biggest source of vitamin B12. Here are some foods that can help a vitamin B12 deficiency in older adults:
Seafood: Fish is a rich source of Omega 3 fatty acids, vitamins D, B2, and B12. Certain types of fish, like tuna, sardines, salmon, wild trout, and herring, are great sources of this vitamin.
Also mussels, clams, and crabs also possess a significant amount of B12. Finding ways to include seafood in your meals a couple of times a week can go a long way in reducing a deficiency.
Meat: Organ meats like liver and kidneys from beef or lamb are fantastic sources of vitamin B12. Additionally, ham, beef steaks, and sausage are high in this vitamin. Older adults should have 3 to 4 servings of lean red meat weekly.
Dairy Products: Milk, cheese, yogurt, and any other dairy products are rich in minerals, protein, and of course, vitamins like B12. Older adults can have about 3 to 4 servings of dairy products weekly.
While dairy products might have less B12 per serving than red meat, our bodies can absorb it better through milk than beef. A cup of tea with milk or adding cheese to your salads is an excellent way to increase your B12 intake.
As you can see, a vitamin B12 deficiency in older adults is no joke! Be sure to speak to your doctor if you feel like you’ve been experiencing any of the symptoms we mentioned.
If you found this post helpful, Healthy Reads has much more to offer. We also recommend checking out: Having Heart Issues? Stay Away From These 12 Common Foods
16 thoughts on “Vitamin B12 deficiency in Older Adults: 10 Signs and Symptoms You Should Know About”
Concerning B12 deficiency — okay, now we know the problems……what’s the solution????? remind folks, also, that B12 supplements need to be taken under the tongue…. what foods to eat, what to avoid, etc, etc, etc …
Will a blood test tell us ALL that we need to know?
I’m taking both iron and B12 supplements…………….what else should I do?
I have a B12 problem and this advice you give is excellent advice, listing all the foods we can eat to help keep our B12 level ok, I had iron injections a long time ago, I felt great after, now I am in my 70’s and need a course of them again, which I wouldn’t hesitate to have them, thank you for this advice
Can lack of B12 also have effect with this who have Haemochromatosis also?
( too much iron in their blood. 🩸 Genetic Condition)
Why do you make it difficult to get this information?????
Interesting article. Can vitamin 12 deficiency have an impact on joint muscles?
Very interested in having b12 in formation.
Very Very helpful, articles such as this gives you a very good indication when you need to get to your Dr. like “today”, depending on how long some of these problems have been occurring.
Im a adult can I take vitamin B12 ??? thank you .mi age 75
Thank you for this information. I am in an adult living facility and I was told I was low in B12. I was told nothing else. Again I thank you because this is important information.
I notice when I dont have the B12 injection how im so drained, i just wish we could have it in a tablet form instead of the painful injection.
I enjoyed it! Very informative.
Im interested in any B12 info as I am coming up on my 2nd year as a septuagenarian. Please include me in any future B12 info. Thank you so much.
This is an interesting article. The first few paragraphs state the problem & end with ‘”Click “Next” to learn about the 10 signs and symptoms.’. But try as I might, I could not locate the said button. So I am still waiting “for the rest of the story..”
Go to where there are a roll of numbers in green. Each number takes you to different pages finishing the article on number 9.
Good to have your lectures on vitamin B12. I am 77yrs old and need it. Is Vitamin B12 tablets available?
There’s no list of 10 symptoms!