For any person, you need to decide what’s best. Generally, lab tests for B vitamins tend to show the levels at the top of the range when there is any supplementing being done. You might consider focusing on symptoms related to B12, and looking at the persons MCV, with the goal of keeping it in the low 90s. In an old person, I suggest not making lots of drastic changes. If there is homeostasis, that is GREAT.

Poor gut function is a major contributor to this problem in the elderly – intrinsic factor, HCL and zinc are needed to increase absorption and they are often depleted. However, Before you give intrinsic factor, run the lab test for intrinsic factor antibodies. You don’t want to give intrinsic factor to a person with ab’s to it.

• This reply was modified 5 years, 8 months ago by Marla Pietruszko.