Cognitive Impairment in the Elderly – Recognition, Diagnosis and Management
Although a substantial proportion of individuals over age
50 have reduced ability to absorb naturally occurring
vitamin B12, they are able to absorb the crystalline form.
Thus, all individuals over the age of 50 should be encour
aged to meet their Recommended Dietary Allowance
(RDA) (2.4 µg/day) for vitamin B12 by eating foods fortified
with vitamin B12 such as fortified cereals, or by taking the
crystalline form of vitamin B12 supplements.
Women and Iron
Based on blood values, substantial numbers of adolescent
females and women of childbearing age are iron deficient.
Thus, these groups should eat foods high in hemeiron
(e.g., meats) and/or consume ironrich plant foods (e.g.,
spinach) or ironfortified foods with an enhancer of iron
absorption, such as foods rich in vitamin C (e.g., orange
juice). Appendix B3 lists foods that can help increase
iron intake and gives their iron and calorie content. ...