National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) Practice Exam

Impaired proprioception in older adults may result from malabsorption of which nutrient?

1. Potassium

2. Iron

3. Vitamin B12

4. Vitamin E

The correct answer is: Vitamin B12

Impaired proprioception in older adults can be linked to malabsorption of Vitamin B12. This vitamin is crucial for the health of nerve cells and the production of DNA and red blood cells. A deficiency in Vitamin B12 can lead to neurological impairments, including issues with proprioception, which is the body's ability to sense its position and movement in space. Older adults may experience malabsorption of Vitamin B12 due to a variety of factors, including decreased production of stomach acid, which is necessary for the absorption of this vitamin from food. Additionally, certain gastrointestinal conditions common in older populations can further contribute to malabsorption. In contrast, while potassium, iron, and Vitamin E are important nutrients, they do not have the same direct relationship with proprioception as Vitamin B12 does. Potassium is mainly involved in muscle contraction and nerve transmission but does not specifically impact proprioceptive senses. Iron is essential for oxygen transport and energy production but less directly influences the nervous system associated with proprioception. Vitamin E plays a role in antioxidant defense and cell membrane stability but does not have a direct correlation with proprioceptive function. Hence, the link between impaired proprioception and malabsorption in older adults is most significantly associated with Vitamin B12.