Low serum vitamin B12 is associated with recurrent pregnancy loss in Syrian women

2008 ◽  
Vol 46 (9) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulrich Hübner ◽  
Ahmad Alwan ◽  
Muhidin Jouma ◽  
Mohammad Tabbaa ◽  
Heike Schorr ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Methylmalonic Acid ◽  
Serum Vitamin ◽  
Vitamin B12 Deficiency ◽  
Serum Folate ◽  
Functional Markers ◽  
Unexpected Result ◽  
Recurrent Abortion ◽  
B12 Deficiency ◽  
Low Serum

Abstract: Hyperhomocysteinemia and B-vitamin deficiency are associated with recurrent abortion. Recent studies have not investigated functional markers of vitamin B12 deficiency, such as methylmalonic acid.: A total of 43 consecutive Syrian women with unexplained recurrent abortion and 32 pregnant controls were enrolled in the study. Serum folate, vitamin B12, methylmalonic acid and plasma homocysteine were determined.: Vitamin B12 was significantly decreased in patients with recurrent abortion compared to controls (mean concentrations 197 vs. 300 pg/mL, p=0.004). The lowest mean serum vitamin B12 (172 pg/mL) was observed in primary aborters. Homocysteine was elevated in aborters in comparison to controls (8.3 vs. 7.1 μmol/L, p=0.093). Folate and methylmalonic acid did not differ significantly between the study groups. A highly significant correlation between homocysteine and methylmalonic acid and vitamin B12 was observed only in patients but not in controls (p<0.001 and p=0.002, respectively). In the logistic regression model, only serum vitamin B12 emerged with a significant odds ratio.: The results confirm low serum vitamin B12 in recurrent abortion patients. However, methylmalonic acid did not support that functional vitamin B12 plays a role in this group. This unexpected result might be due to a decrease of the metabolically inert vitamin B12 fraction (holohaptocorrin) or confounding factors. Further studies are necessary to investigate the role of vitamin B12 deficiency in recurrent abortion.Clin Chem Lab Med 2008;46:1265–9.

Functional vitamin B12 deficiency in phenylketonuria patients and healthy controls: An evaluation with combined indicator of vitamin B12 status as a biochemical index

2020 ◽  
Vol 57 (4) ◽  
pp. 291-299
Author(s):  
Merve Akış ◽  
Melis Kant ◽  
İshak Işık ◽  
Pelin Teke Kısa ◽  
Engin Köse ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Liquid Chromatography ◽  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Methylmalonic Acid ◽  
Serum Vitamin ◽  
Vitamin B12 Deficiency ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Biochemical Index ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
B12 Deficiency

Background Vitamin B12 deficiency frequently appears in phenylketonuria patients having a diet poor in natural protein. The aims of this study were to evaluate vitamin B12 status in phenylketonuria patients by using combined indicator of vitamin B12 status (cB12) as well as methylmalonic acid and homocysteine, more specific and sensitive markers, in comparison with healthy controls. Methods Fifty-three children and adolescents with phenylketonuria under dietary treatment and 30 healthy controls were assessed cross-sectionally. Serum vitamin B12 and folate concentrations were analysed by chemiluminescence immunoassay. Plasma methylmalonic acid and total homocysteine concentrations were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography, respectively. cB12 was calculated by using a formula involving blood parameters. Results Methylmalonic acid and folate concentrations in phenylketonuria group were higher compared with controls. Methylmalonic acid concentrations were high in 56.5% of the patients and 26.7% of the controls with normal vitamin B12 concentrations. Based on cB12, a significant difference within the normal values was detected between the groups. However, although 24.5% of phenylketonuria patients and 13.3% of controls had decreased vitamin B12 status according to cB12, there was no significant difference. Conclusion Children and adolescents with phenylketonuria having a strict diet can be at risk of functional vitamin B12 deficiency. This deficiency can be accurately determined by measuring methylmalonic acid concentrations. Calculation of cB12 as a biochemical index did not provide additional information compared with the measurement of methylmalonic acid alone, but may be helpful for classification of some patients with increased methylmalonic acid as having adequate vitamin B12 status.

scholarly journals Low Serum Vitamin B12 Levels Are Associated with Adverse Lipid Profiles in Apparently Healthy Young Saudi Women

Nutrients ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 2395
Author(s):  
Sara Al-Musharaf ◽  
Ghadeer S. Aljuraiban ◽  
Syed Danish Hussain ◽  
Abdullah M. Alnaami ◽  
Ponnusamy Saravanan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Lipid Profile ◽  
Serum Vitamin ◽  
Vitamin B12 Deficiency ◽  
Lipid Profiles ◽  
Saudi Women ◽  
B12 Deficiency ◽  
The Relationship ◽  
Low Serum ◽  
Apparently Healthy

An abnormal lipid profile is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The relationship between vitamin B12 deficiency and lipid profile is inconclusive, with most studies conducted in unhealthy populations. In this study, we aimed to assess the relationship between serum vitamin B12 levels and lipid profiles in a cross-sectional study that included 341 apparently healthy Saudi women, aged 19–30 years, from different colleges at King Saud University, Saudi Arabia. Sociodemographic, anthropometric, biochemical, and lifestyle data were collected, including diet and physical activity. Serum vitamin B12 deficiency was defined as serum B12 level of <148 pmol/L. The prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency was approximately 0.6%. Using multivariable linear regression models, serum vitamin B12 levels were found to be inversely associated with total cholesterol (B = −0.26; p < 0.001), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels (B = −0.30; p < 0.001), and triglyceride (B = −0.16; p < 0.01) after adjusting for potential confounders, while obesity indices of body mass index, central obesity, and fat percentage showed no association. Therefore, we conclude that low serum vitamin B12 levels are independently associated with abnormal lipid profiles in healthy young Saudi women. Further interventional studies are needed to determine whether improving serum vitamin B12 levels in a healthy population can improve lipid profiles.

scholarly journals Total Homocysteine, Vitamin B12, and Total Antioxidant Status in Vegetarians

2001 ◽  
Vol 47 (6) ◽  
pp. 1094-1101 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wolfgang Herrmann ◽  
Heike Schorr ◽  
Kathrin Purschwitz ◽  
Fausi Rassoul ◽  
Volker Richter
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Antioxidant Status ◽  
Serum Vitamin ◽  
Vitamin B12 Deficiency ◽  
Total Antioxidant Status ◽  
Serum Folate ◽  
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry ◽  
Animal Products ◽  
Total Antioxidant ◽  
B12 Deficiency

Abstract Background: Decreasing or eliminating animal products from the diet decreases the intake of some essential nutrients, such as vitamin B12, which may lead to hyperhomocysteinemia. We investigated vitamin B12-dependent metabolism and oxidative stress in groups with various or no intake of meat or animal products. Methods: We investigated 44 high meat eaters, 19 low meat eaters, 34 lacto-ovo/lacto vegetarians, and 7 vegan vegetarians. Homocysteine (HCY) was assayed by HPLC, methylmalonic acid (MMA) by capillary gas chromatography–mass spectrometry, serum folate and vitamin B12 with a chemiluminescence immunoassay, and total antioxidant status (TAS) by a Randox method. Results: The mean serum HCY concentration of vegetarians was significantly increased, and in vegans the median concentration exceeded 15 μmol/L. Vegetarians had a higher serum concentration of MMA but a lower TAS. Vitamin B12 and folate did not differ significantly between vegetarian and omnivorous subjects. Overall, HCY and MMA were significantly correlated. Vitamin B12 correlated negatively with MMA, HCY, and folate, whereas the correlation with TAS was positive. Backward regression analysis revealed an independent influence of MMA on HCY, of HCY and vitamin B12 on MMA, and of vitamin B12 on TAS. The increased MMA concentration suggested a 25% frequency of functional vitamin B12 deficiency in all vegetarians. Serum vitamin B12 was below the lower reference limit in only five subjects. Conclusions: Functional vitamin B12 deficiency in vegetarians may contribute to hyperhomocysteinemia and decreased TAS, which may partly counteract the beneficial lifestyle of vegetarians. However, increased serum HCY is most likely not responsible for the lower TAS values in vegetarians. We recommend assaying of MMA and HCY to investigate functional vitamin B12 status.

Relationships among Urinary Aminoimidazolecarboxamide in Urine and Folate, and Vitamin B12 Concentrations in Serum

1973 ◽  
Vol 19 (9) ◽  
pp. 1049-1052 ◽  
Author(s):  
J W Harrison ◽  
B A Slade ◽  
W Shaw
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Serum Vitamin ◽  
Vitamin B12 Deficiency ◽  
Strong Relationship ◽  
Automated System ◽  
Serum Folate ◽  
B12 Deficiency ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Folate And Vitamin B12

Abstract Urinary aminoimidazolecarboxamide (AIC), serum folate, and serum vitamin B12 values were determined in 84 apparently healthy individuals. An automated system for determination of AIC in urine is described. Despite claims to the contrary, we found no evidence of a strong relationship between elevated (e.g., &gt;1.3 µg/mg of creatinine) AIC excretion as reflected in a casual sample of urine and folate or vitamin B12 deficiency. Urinary AIC values ranged from 0.10 to 5.20 µg/mg of creatinine. The mean for the population examined was 1.36 ± 1.02 µg/mg of creatinine.

scholarly journals Folate and Vitamin B12 Status in Women of Reproductive Age in Rural Areas in Haryana, Northern India (P10-117-19)

2019 ◽  
Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Reena Das ◽  
Mona Duggal ◽  
Manmeet Kaur ◽  
Hari Kishan Senee ◽  
Gursharan Singh Dhanjal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Wheat Flour ◽  
Rural Areas ◽  
Serum Vitamin ◽  
Vitamin B12 Deficiency ◽  
Folate Deficiency ◽  
Reproductive Age ◽  
Serum Folate ◽  
Women Of Reproductive Age ◽  
B12 Deficiency

Abstract Objectives To conduct a household and biomarker survey to assess the baseline prevalence of folate deficiency and insufficiency and vitamin B12 deficiency in women of reproductive age prior to the start of a wheat flour fortification program in the Ambala District in Haryana, India. Methods A multistage cluster probability household and biomarker survey was conducted. Participants were women of reproductive age (18–49 y) who were not pregnant and resided in rural areas of two subdistricts in Ambala District in Haryana. Venous blood samples were collected among 866 women. Plasma, serum, and red blood cells (RBC) were separated by centrifugation, processed, and stored at <-80ºC until analysis. RBC and serum folate concentrations were measured using microbiologic assay and serum vitamin B12 was measured via chemiluminescence. Serum folate deficiency was defined as serum folate <7 nmol/L and RBC folate deficiency and insufficiency were defined as RBC folate <305 nmol/L and <748 nmol/L, respectively. Vitamin B12 deficiency was defined as vitamin B12 <200 pg/mL and vitamin B12 marginal deficiency was defined as vitamin B12 ≥200 and <300 pg/mL. Results The geometric mean concentrations for serum folate, RBC folate, and serum vitamin B12 were 12.3 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 11.8, 12.9) nmol/L, 544 (95% CI: 516, 573) nmol/L, and 190 (95% CI: 176, 206) pg/mL, respectively. The prevalence of folate deficiency was 11.3% (95% CI: 9.2, 13.9) for serum folate and 9.7% (95% CI: 7.8, 12.0) for RBC folate, and the prevalence of RBC folate insufficiency was 78.6% (95% CI: 74.8, 82.5). A total of 58.3% (95% CI: 54.2, 62.5) of women were vitamin B12 deficient (<200 pg/mL) and an additional 22.9% (95% CI: 19.7, 26.1) were marginally deficient for vitamin B12. Conclusions The magnitude of folate insufficiency and vitamin B12 deficiency in this Northern Indian population is a substantial public health concern. The findings from the survey help establish the baseline for a planned wheat flour fortification program aimed at reducing these micronutrient deficiencies. Funding Sources Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

scholarly journals A Case of Subacute Combined Degeneration of Spinal Cord Diagnosed by Vitamin B12 Administration Lowering Methylmalonic Acid

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-34 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daisuke Hara ◽  
Masashi Akamatsu ◽  
Heisuke Mizukami ◽  
Bunta Kato ◽  
Takaaki Suzuki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Methylmalonic Acid ◽  
Serum Vitamin ◽  
Vitamin B12 Deficiency ◽  
Lower Limbs ◽  
Total Serum ◽  
Subacute Combined Degeneration ◽  
Laboratory Findings ◽  
B12 Deficiency

Subacute combined degeneration of the spinal cord (SCDS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by subacute progression in the central and peripheral nervous systems mainly caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. It is known that typical SCDS is frequently accompanied by megaloblastic anemia and increased serum methylmalonic acid (MMA) or homocysteine (Hcy) levels on laboratory findings, and marked abnormalities on spinal cord magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A 45-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital with a 2-year history of worsening mild weakness, numbness in bilateral lower limbs, and gait disturbance. On admission, as laboratory findings, blood count showed macrocytosis without anemia, and biochemical tests showed mild reduction in total serum vitamin B12 level and no increase of MMA and Hcy levels; there were no abnormal findings on spinal cord MRI. After administration of vitamin B12, her sensorimotor symptoms were improved and laboratory examination showed that macrocytosis was improved, serum vitamin B12 was increased, and serum MMA levels were decreased. This improved clinical course and the laboratory findings following vitamin B12 administration confirmed the diagnosis of SCDS due to vitamin B12 deficiency. SCDS presents with highly variable symptoms and laboratory findings, and observation of MMA levels and neurologic symptoms before and after vitamin B12 administration may be useful for diagnosing SCDS.

scholarly journals Transient vitamin B12 deficiency of maternal cause: case report

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ludmila Feitosa ◽  
Danilo Pereira ◽  
Marianna Maia ◽  
Maria Fernandes Neta ◽  
Nahara Jurema ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Case Report ◽  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Methylmalonic Acid ◽  
Megaloblastic Anemia ◽  
Vitamin B12 Deficiency ◽  
Serum Levels ◽  
Animal Origin ◽  
B12 Deficiency ◽  
Meat And Eggs ◽  
Low Serum

Vitamin B12 or cyanocobalamin is obtained from the intake of food of restricted animal origin, especially milk, meat and eggs. During pregnancy, the fetus reserves vitamin B12 in the liver. This reserve is able to provide the needs of this vitamin in the first months of life. Our case refers to a 6-month-old infant in exclusive breastfeeding, who started a picture of loss of neuropsychomotor development, associated with hypotonia and megaloblastic anemia. Exams showed low serum levels of vitamin B12 and increased values of methylmalonic acid and homocysteine. Maternal research was performed, even if asymptomatic and without reports of comorbidities. Patient presented progressive improvement with vitamin B12 replacement, which was subsequently suspended, remaining only with the diet and with good evolution.

scholarly journals Methylmalonic Acid and Homocysteine as Indicators of Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Patients with Gastric Cancer after Gastrectomy

Nutrients ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 450 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sae-Mi Lee ◽  
Jongwon Oh ◽  
Mi-Ryung Chun ◽  
Soo-Youn Lee
Keyword(s):  
Gastric Cancer ◽  
Vitamin B12 ◽  
Homocysteine Level ◽  
Methylmalonic Acid ◽  
Serum Vitamin ◽  
Vitamin B12 Deficiency ◽  
Common Complication ◽  
Serum Homocysteine ◽  
Median Serum ◽  
B12 Deficiency

Vitamin B12 deficiency is a common complication in patients after gastrectomy. Elevated methylmalonic acid (MMA) and homocysteine are better indications of vitamin B12 deficiency than vitamin B12 serum level. We compared MMA and homocysteine levels of patients with gastric cancer after gastrectomy (n = 151) with controls (n = 142) and evaluated the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency using MMA and homocysteine in patients. MMA and homocysteine levels were significantly higher (p < 0.05) in patients with gastric cancer after gastrectomy. Of the 151 patients assessed after gastrectomy, 32 patients (21.2%) were vitamin B12 deficient as defined by serum MMA levels > 350 nmol/L, and 8 patients (5.3%) were vitamin B12 deficient as defined by serum homocysteine levels > 15 μmol/L. Both MMA and homocysteine levels were elevated in 7 patients. Among 33 patients with elevated MMA or homocysteine levels, 8 patients (24.2%) were vitamin B12 deficient based on a serum vitamin B12 level < 200 pg/mL. Additionally, levels of MMA and homocysteine were compared pre- and post-gastrectomy in 27 patients. The median MMA level was higher in patients with post-gastrectomy compared to pre-gastrectomy, while the median serum homocysteine level was not significantly different. These results indicate that using serum vitamin B12 levels alone may fail to detect vitamin B12 deficiency. Additional assessments of MMA and homocysteine levels are useful to evaluate possible vitamin B12 deficiency in patients who underwent a gastrectomy, and MMA is a better indicator than homocysteine to detect early changes in vitamin B12 levels.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document