The B-group vitamins are a collection of eight water-soluble vitamins essential for various

metabolic processes.

Most of these vitamins can’t be stored by the body and must be consumed regularly in the
diet.

Aging is a natural life process that progresses from person to person at different speeds

People who are 65 or older may benefit from a B-complex supplement.

Vitamins B are important for the conversion of carbohydrates into glucose

Getting enough B12 is a challenge for older people because they can't absorb it from food as
well as younger people.

As people get older, their ability to absorb vitamin B12 tends to decrease. This is because
seniors often develop problems with the acids and stomach enzymes needed to process the
vitamin.

Medications such as metformin (prescribed for diabetes), which interferes with vitamin B12
absorption

Alcoholism, which irritates the stomach and is sometimes linked to a poor diet

Surgeries that remove parts (or all) of the stomach or small intestine

Any problem that causes poor absorption in the stomach or small intestine, such as ulcerative
colitis or Crohn’s disease

Low levels of B-12 and folate — a dietary equivalent of folic acid, or vitamin B-9 — may be
associated with depression in older people.

Vitamins naturally occur in food and are needed in very small amounts for various bodily
functions such as energy production and making red blood cells.

Research shows Trusted Source that older adults are more susceptible to vitamin B-12
deficiency. Some evidence suggests Trusted Source that having higher levels of B-12 may help
slow the aging of the brain

Low levels of B-12 and folate — a dietary equivalent of folic acid, or vitamin B-9 — may be
associated with depression in older people, according to a systematic review and meta-
analysis. In addition, a study involving older Latino adults found that higher B-6 levels were
linked to decreased depression symptoms.

Vitamin B12 deficiency and/or age-related impairments in its function are increasing
recognized as contributing to age-related cognitive decline, both subtle deficits and frank
dementia.

Neurological function declines with age.

Incidence of dementia increases with age, with a prevalence of 25% in adults 85–89 years of
age.