The effects did not differ by sex or by age group .
Conclusions Evidence on the effects of supplementation of low concentrations of vitamin B12 and folate on haematological parameters in community-dwelling older people is inconclusive .
Background / objectives Low vitamin B12 and folate levels in community-dwelling older people are usually corrected with supplements .
However , the effect of this supplementation on haematological parameters in older persons is not known .
Effects of vitamin B-12 supplementation on neurologic and cognitive function in older people: a randomized controlled trial12
Background : Moderate vitamin B-12 deficiency is relatively common in older people . However , there is little robust evidence on the effect of vitamin B-12 supplementation on neurologic and cognitive outcomes in later life . Objective : We investigated whether vitamin B-12 supplementation benefits neurologic and cognitive function in moderately vitamin B-12–deficient older people . Design : We conducted a double-blind , r and omized , placebo-controlled trial in 7 general practice s in South East Engl and , United Kingdom . Study participants were aged ≥75 y and had moderate vitamin B-12 deficiency ( serum vitamin B-12 concentrations : 107–210 pmol/L ) in the absence of anemia and received 1 mg crystalline vitamin B-12 or a matching placebo as a daily oral tablet for 12 mo . Peripheral motor and sensory nerve conduction , central motor conduction , a clinical neurologic examination , and cognitive function were assessed before and after treatment . Results : A total of 201 participants were enrolled in the trial , and 191 subjects provided outcome data . Compared with baseline , allocation to vitamin B-12 was associated with a 177 % increase in serum concentration of vitamin B-12 ( 641 compared with 231 pmol/L ) , a 331 % increase in serum holotranscobalamin ( 240 compared with 56 pmol/L ) , and 17 % lower serum homocysteine ( 14.2 compared with 17.1 μmol/L ) . In intention-to-treat analysis of covariance models , with adjustment for baseline neurologic function , there was no evidence of an effect of supplementation on the primary outcome of the posterior tibial compound muscle action potential amplitude at 12 mo ( mean difference : −0.2 mV ; 95 % CI : –0.8 , 0.3 mV ) . There was also no evidence of an effect on any secondary peripheral nerve or central motor function outcome , or on cognitive function or clinical examination . Conclusion : Results of the trial do not support the hypothesis that the correction of moderate vitamin B-12 deficiency , in the absence of anemia and of neurologic and cognitive signs or symptoms , has beneficial effects on neurologic or cognitive function in later life . This trial was registered at www.is rct n.com as IS RCT N54195799
The effects did not differ by sex or by age group .
Conclusions Evidence on the effects of supplementation of low concentrations of vitamin B12 and folate on haematological parameters in community-dwelling older people is inconclusive .
Background / objectives Low vitamin B12 and folate levels in community-dwelling older people are usually corrected with supplements .
However , the effect of this supplementation on haematological parameters in older persons is not known .