A deficiency of vitamin B-12 in older adults is most likely due to

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Study for the eatrightPREP Domain 2 Dietetics Exam. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions, with hints and explanations for each. Prepare confidently for your exam!

Multiple Choice

A deficiency of vitamin B-12 in older adults is most likely due to

Explanation:
Vitamin B-12 absorption relies on intrinsic factor, a protein made by stomach parietal cells. In older adults, atrophic gastritis reduces the number of parietal cells and decreases intrinsic factor production, so B-12 released from food cannot be efficiently absorbed in the ileum. This direct disruption of the B-12 absorption step makes atrophic gastritis the most likely cause of deficiency in the elderly. Diverticulosis involves the colon and doesn’t affect B-12 absorption; fat malabsorption mainly impacts fat-soluble vitamins, and gallbladder disease doesn’t directly disrupt B-12 absorption either.

Vitamin B-12 absorption relies on intrinsic factor, a protein made by stomach parietal cells. In older adults, atrophic gastritis reduces the number of parietal cells and decreases intrinsic factor production, so B-12 released from food cannot be efficiently absorbed in the ileum. This direct disruption of the B-12 absorption step makes atrophic gastritis the most likely cause of deficiency in the elderly. Diverticulosis involves the colon and doesn’t affect B-12 absorption; fat malabsorption mainly impacts fat-soluble vitamins, and gallbladder disease doesn’t directly disrupt B-12 absorption either.

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