There are two tests for low B12... Serum B12 measurement and MMA. The elderly should have the MMA in addition to clarify things.
Often the lab range for B12 test is offered with very low numbers as "normal". So you should get the numbers from the test and they should be 400 or over in US. The MMA test is now used in many nursing homes to make sure B12 is being utilized properly in the elderly.
Secondly, low red cells in the elderly can be due to low kidney functions.
And a final reason= bleeding from somewhere. My friend's mom had a tumor in her colon leaking blood, and her anemia became drastic. She had to have transfusions before they could operate and remove the tumor. She did very well finally, but the severe anemia was a red flag no one really paid attention to.
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All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered; the point is to discover them.-- Galileo Galilei
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Weezie looking at petunias 8.25.2017
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