The Relationship between Nutritional Status, Anemia and Other Vitamin Deficiencies in the Elderly Receiving Home Care

Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of anemia and other vitamin deficiencies among elderly home care patients and to evaluate the causes of anemia and effect of malnutrition as a contributing factor. Methods Anemia was defined according to the World Health Organization. Hemogram, serum iron, iron binding capacity, ferritin and transferrin saturation values, serum vitamin B12, folic acid and vitamin D levels were evaluated. It was tried to differentiate as absolute iron deficiency anemia, anemia of chronic disease, anemia of unknown cause and vitamin B12 deficiency anemia. Malnutrition was evaluated by Mini Nutritional Assessment test. Results Total of 472 patients (mean age 81,4±7,4 years) were included in the study. Anemia was detected in 179 (%37,9) patients, 22,7% of males and 45,5 % of female. Prevalence of iron deficiency anemia, vitamin B12, folic acid and vitamin D deficiencies were found 43%, 46%, 19% and 91% respectively. 22,8% of all patients were malnourished, 17,5% were under malnutrition risk. In patients with anemia 16,2% chronic disease anemia and 37,4% unknown anemia were detected. Conclusions With or without malnutrition, iron deficiency anemia, vitamin B12 deficiency and vitamin D deficiency were common in the home care elderly patients.