Which two deficiencies are commonly seen in older adults?

Enhance your skills with the Board Certified Gerontological Nutritionist Test. Study using flashcards and multiple-choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Prepare confidently for your certification!

In older adults, deficiencies in Vitamin D and Vitamin B12 are indeed commonly observed.

Vitamin D deficiency is prevalent among older adults because their skin's ability to synthesize vitamin D from sunlight decreases with age. Additionally, older adults often spend more time indoors and may have limited dietary intake of vitamin D-rich foods. This deficiency can lead to complications such as weakened bones, increased risk of fractures, and potential impacts on immune function.

Vitamin B12 is also critical for older adults as it plays a crucial role in nerve function and the production of healthy red blood cells. Absorption of this vitamin can decline due to changes in stomach acid production with aging, leading to a higher risk of deficiency among this population. Insufficient B12 levels can result in neurocognitive issues and anemia.

The other options, while they may be important for overall health, are not as commonly associated with deficiencies specifically in older adults.

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