A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial on the effect of B12 skin patches on the wellbeing of residents living in aged care facilities

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Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin found in fish, eggs, meat and milk. An adequate level of B12 blood concentration is necessary to prevent anaemia, cognitive impairment and neuropathy. B12 deficiency in older people is common. Symptoms include changes in mood and dizziness. It is important therefore that B12 deficiency is promptly treated, particularly in residents of aged care facilities who fall at a greater rate than the general population. Detection is complicated in cases of functional deficiency where B12 is within normal levels. Negative conditions of B12 deficiency can potentially be reversed by administering vitamin B supplements. Due to potential issues with the ageing gastrointestinal tract of the older adult, there is a requirement for an intervention using B12 supplements that bypass the gut. This study will investigate the effect of B12 supplementation in the form of skin patches on falls risk and mood in residents living in aged care facilities. As nurses are the primary clinicians involved in the reduction of falls in residents, demonstrating that falls risk in older people is impacted by the application of a non-prescription vitamin B12 patch could have major implications for nursing practice and public health policy.

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