Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin) Deficiency in the Older Adult

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) deficiency in the older adult occurs frequently and has the potential for serious neurological and hematological complications. Because of a myriad of discreet clinical manifestations, this disorder is often unrecognized by providers. The purpose of this article is to increase awareness of cobalamin deficiency, its causes, clinical manifestations, diagnostic work-up, and management. As primary providers, nurse practitioners should have a high degree of suspicion for at-risk populations. With early identification and treatment, cobalamin anemia has an excellent prognosis with a normal lifespan.