Abstract
BackgroundVitamin B12 deficiency is diagnosed by measurements of total B12, holo-transcobalamin (holoTC), methylmalonic acid (MMA) and total homocysteine (Hcy) in blood. Results of the individual biochemical tests are often contradictory. Here the four markers are combined to achieve a more reliable indication of the B12 status. The results are aligned with hemoglobin and cognitive score. MethodsDatabases from the literature were plotted in coordinates x=(holoTC·B12)1∕2, y=1∕2·log10(MMA·Hcy), where distribution of points revealed the subgroups characterized by logarithmic ratios lr=log10[(holoTC·B12)/(MMA·Hcy)]. Distance between the subgroups w=lrTest−lrNormal was taken as a robust biochemical indicator of B12 status (“wellness parameter”). ResultsThe dependence of lrNormal vs. age was described by a mathematical function to correct parameter w. The B12 status was defined as “excellent” (w≈+0.4), “normal” (w≈0), “transitional” (w≈−0.5), “deficient” (w≈−1.7) and “pernicious” (w≈−3.0). The groups of individuals with either w≥0 or w≤−1 exhibited the statistically significant differences in both hemoglobin and cognitive score. Analogous assessment of B12 status by the individual markers agreed with only one out of two physiological characteristics. ConclusionCombined parameter w is a reliable diagnostic tool.
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