New research from the Georgian Medical Journal indicates that vitamin B12 requirements may shift significantly with age, challenging long-established nutritional guidelines for older populations. While 2 micrograms of daily B12 intake supports essential functions in younger adults—including red blood cell formation, nerve function, and DNA synthesis—the aging process fundamentally alters how the body absorbs this critical nutrient.
As individuals enter their later years, gastric acid production naturally declines, reducing the body’s capacity to extract B12 from food sources. This absorption inefficiency affects approximately 30% of adults over age 50, according to clinical research cited by the National Institutes of Health. Consequently, older adults may require higher dietary intake or targeted supplementation to maintain adequate B12 levels and prevent serious health complications.
Read the full article on GMJ Newsroom.
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