Vitamin B12 Supplementation for Asymptomatic Deficiency in Older Adults: Protocol for a Randomized Trial on Neurological Function

Vitamin B12 deficiency is widespread among older adults, rising with age, and can manifest as macrocytic anemia, spinal cord degeneration, neuropathy, or remain asymptomatic; while treatment is clear for symptomatic cases with low plasma levels, its role without anemia or neuropathy remains uncertain. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial assesses whether daily 1 mg oral crystalline vitamin B12 improves electrophysiological indices of peripheral and central neurosensory function crucial for mobility and sensation in 200 adults aged 75+ with biochemical insufficiency but no anemia, comparing it to matching placebo over 12 months, with this report detailing the protocol. Amid high deficiency rates in later life, the findings hold major public health potential.

Source : https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3062585/