Overweight and obese adolescents: A risk group for vitamin B12 deficiency and anemia?

Abstract

Background/Aim: Obesity is a major clinical and public health problem for adolescents. It leads to various nutritional problems as well as adult diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes. Some studies have found that dietary intakes of some micronutrients were inadequate among adolescents. The aim of this study was to investigate anemia and vitamin B12 deficiency in obese children and adolescents and to determine whether obesity has a role in vitamin B12 deficiency. Additionally, we aimed to assess ferritin levels and their relationship with body mass index in obese children and adolescents. Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study group consisted of 1574 patients between 10 and 18 years old who were admitted to the pediatrics department of the hospital, some for a weight problem and some, who constitute a control group, for other issues. Those excluded included patients with missing data, those with co-morbidities situations, patients taking vitamin supplements, children whose obesity was the result of a syndromic condition, and those whose obesity had endocrinal causes. Finally, 436 patients remained in the study. Vitamin B12 deficiency was defined as a serum level