Hyperhomocysteinemia, low folate, and vitamin B12 deficiency in elderly living at home and care residences: A comparative study

Abstract

Background: Serum levels of homocysteine (Hcy), folate, and vitamin B 12 in healthy elderly persons living at home (EH) and care residences (ER) were evaluated in subjects from Jordan. Methods: Homocysteine, folate, and vitamin B12 serum levels were measured using commercially available kits. Results: The prevalence of hyperhomo-cysteinemia (HHcy) was 55% in the ER, 22% in the EH, and 8% in the young. Vitamin B12 deficiency was prevalent in 34% of the elderly groups compared to 9% in the young group. Similarly, the folate deficiency prevalence was 55% and 23% in the ER and EH respectively, whereas it was 13% in the young group. Homocysteine concentration negatively correlated with vitamin B12 in EH males and females, while it negatively correlated with folate in the EH and the young of both genders. Conclusion: Hyperhomocysteinemia and low folate was more prevalent in the ER than in the EH and younger individuals.