Determination of Vitamin D, Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid Deficiency Prevalence Among Geriatric Palliative Care Patients

Objective: The more advanced age, the higher incidence and prevalence of chronic diseases. Both vitamin D and B12 deficiency are common health problems affecting geriatric patients. In this study, we aimed at determining the prevalence of vitamin D, B12 and folic acid deficiency among geriatric patients hospitalised in our palliative care clinic. Materials and Methods: Records of geriatric patients hospitalised between August 2017 and August 2018 were analysed. A total of, 100 patients (53 female and 47 male) were included in the study. Results: The mean age of the patients was 65.48 [+ or -] 6.40 years. Five percent of the patients were diagnosed with vitamin D insufficiency, 86% with vitamin D deficiency; 32% and 62% had vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiency, respectively. Conclusion: As it is the case throughout the world, vitamin D insufficiency/deficiency is common in Turkey. In our study, the prevalence of vitamin D, B12 and folic acid deficiency was determined to be high among geriatric palliative care patients. It is predicted that well-balanced nutrition along with vitamin D and B12 and folic acid supplementation can improve the quality of life of geriatric palliative care patients and their relatives. Keywords: Vitamin D, vitamin B12, folic acid, palliative care