Thiamin, riboflavin and vitamin B6 status of aged living at home and in institutions.

Abstract

Thiamin, riboflavin and vitamin B6 status of 196 aged subjects, living at home and institutionalised in hospital, residential accommodation and sheltered dwelling was assessed by erythrocyte enzyme function tests. Fifty per cent of the subjects studied had biochemical deficiency of thiamin, riboflavin or vitamin B6. Despite receiving regular multivitamin supplementation, 2.9% of the subjects had thiamin deficiency and 20% had vitamin B6 deficiency. A combined deficiency of all the 3 vitamins occurring together in the same subject was rare. Only one subject presented with clinical signs of deficiency and this was accompanied by biochemical deficiency of riboflavin and vitamin B6. The possible contributory causes are discussed.