title: Vitamin B 12 deficiency in the elderly.
abstract: Vitamin B 12 deficiency is usually a disease of older persons, and much controversy has surrounded the significance of the deficiency of this vitamin in these patients. This article explores the mechanism of action of vitamin B 12, the clinical and laboratory features of vitamin B 12 deficiency, and a rational treatment plan. Once vitamin B 12 deficiency is recognized and diagnosed, it can be easily treated, usually with gratifying results.
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000752:Anemia, Pernicious / Q000150:complications; D005753:Gastric Mucosa / Q000473:pathology; D005767:Gastrointestinal Diseases / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D008286:Malabsorption Syndromes / Q000503:physiopathology; D014805:Vitamin B 12 / Q000378:metabolism / Q000627:therapeutic use; D014806:Vitamin B 12 Deficiency / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*
chemical_list: D014805:Vitamin B 12