The relationship between vitamin B12, folate and homocysteine levels in the elderly Turkish population

Abstract

Aging is associated with increased incidence and prevalence of chronic diseases, and the role of micronutrient deficiencies in the development of diseases is important. Vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiency are often associated with increased homocysteine (Hcy) levels. In our study, we aimed to detect the relationship between Hcy levels by examining vitamin B12 and folate levels in the healthy elderly Turkish population. In our study, the levels of vitamin B12, folate, and Hcy were analyzed and examined in 657 elderly and 642 non-elderly healthy adults admitted to the Internal medicine outpatient clinic. Vitamin B12 <200 pg/mL was considered to be deficient. Folic acid <5 ng/mL was considered a deficiency, and Hcy>15 µmol/L was considered a high concentration. Vitamin B12 levels were detected to be significantly decreased in the elderly group compared to the non-elderly group, while Hcy levels were marked to be increased (p<0.05). Women had lower levels of Hcy and higher levels of vitamin B12 and folate (p<0.05). There was a moderate negative correlation between Hcy and vitamin B12 levels in the elderly group (r=-0.576; p<0.0001), and a moderate negative correlation between Hcy and folate (r=-0.510; p<0.0001). In the elderly group, 21.5% had vitamin B12 deficiency and 21.6% had folate deficiency. An increase in Hcy level was detected in 54.8%. Those with Hcy levels >15 µmol/L had vitamin B12 deficiency in 38.4%, folate deficiency in 36.0%, and both vitamin B12 and folate deficiency in 15.8%. Our results indicate that it is important to measure vitamin B12, folate, and Hcy in the elderly, given the significant growth in the elderly population. We predict that vitamin B12 and folate supplementation, when necessary, may be beneficial in preventing some common diseases in the elderly and increasing the standard of life of the elderly and their relatives.