Low vitamin B12 and Folate levels in adults a concern

Researchers from Trinity College Dublin in Ireland analyzed vitamin B12 and folate levels in 5290 adults aged 50 or older.

It was found that 1 in 8 (12.5%) had low levels of vitamin B12 and 1 in 7 (14%) had low levels of folate.

Low folate levels were found with increasing age, with percentages rising from 14% in people aged 50-60, to 23% in participants older than 80.

Smokers, obese and those living on their own had low levels of both, vitamin B12 and folate.

Smoking and obesity were lifestyle issues and modifiable.

Levels of both vitamin B12 and folate can be normalized by either taking fortified foods or taking supplements, in addition to stop smoking and lowering body weight.