Vitamin B12 Deficiency In Patients Research Articles

Comparison of oral versus intranasal methylcobalamin in patients of tinnitus

Background: Tinnitus is perception of sound in the absence of an external auditory stimulus. It is an experience that originates from a cause or trigger in the cochlea, brainstem or at higher centres. Methods: A randomized, double-blinded pilot study was conducted, wherein a total of 64 patients were enrolled. Of which 32 were considered as Group A (oral methylcobalamin was administered) and 32 in Group B (intranasal methylcobalamin was administered). Group A patients enrolled randomly received oral methylcobalamin therapy (tablet methylcobalamin 500 mcg tablet once a day for a period of 6 weeks). Group B patients enrolled randomly received intranasal methylcobalamin treatment (nasal spray 500 mcg per day) for a period of 6 weeks. Results: A sum of 19 patients of the total patients included in the study were found to be Vitamin B12 deficient that is 42.1% were considered to be Vitamin B12 deficient when the normal levels were considered to be 250 pg/ml, which could be considered to be a significantly high prevalence. Patients having Vitamin B12 deficiency showed improvement in visual analogue scale score after vitamin B12 therapy. Conclusions: Supplementation of Vitamin B12 in vitamin B12 deficient patients having tinnitus has shown symptomatic improvement. However, no significant improvement in visual analogue scale scores in patients without B12 deficiency was observed. There was improvement in VAS in cobalamin-deficient patients receiving Vitamin B12 weekly for 6 weeks.

Intranasal vitamin B12 administration in elderly patients: A randomized controlled comparison of two dosage regimens.

Vitamin B12 deficiency is common in the elderly population. Standard treatment via intramuscular injections, however, has several disadvantages. Safer and more convenient dosage forms such as intranasal are therefore being explored. This study compares the effects of two intranasal vitamin B12 dosage regimens in elderly vitamin B12-deficient patients. Sixty patients ≥65 years were randomly assigned to either a loading dose (daily administration for 14 days followed by weekly administration) or a no loading dose (administration every 3 days) regimen for 90 days. Each dose contained 1000 μg cobalamin. Total vitamin B12, holotranscoblamin (holoTC), methylmalonic acid (MMA) and total homocysteine (tHcy) levels in serum were measured on days 0, 7, 14, 30, 60 and 90. Both dosage regimens resulted in a rapid increase of vitamin B12 and holoTC concentrations and normalization of initial high, MMA and tHcy concentrations. The loading dose regimen resulted in the fastest and greatest increase to a median vitamin B12 of 1090 pmol/L (reference 350-650 pmol/L) concentration after 14 days. Following weekly administration, B12 rapidly decreased to a median concentration of 530 pmol/L after 90 days. The no loading dose regimen resulted in a steady increase to a median vitamin B12 of 717 pmol/L after 90 days. Intranasal vitamin B12 administration is an effective and suitable way to replenish and sustain vitamin B12 levels in elderly patients.

NMR Spectroscopy in Diagnosis and Monitoring of Methylmalonic and Propionic Acidemias.

Although both localized nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and non-localized nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR) generate the same information, i.e., spectra generated by various groups from the structure of metabolites, they are rarely employed in the same study or by the same research group. As our review reveals, these techniques have never been applied in the same study of methylmalonic acidemia (MMA), propionic acidemia (PA) or vitamin B12 deficiency patients. On the other hand, MRS and NMR provide complementary information which is very valuable in the assessment of the severity of disease and efficiency of its treatment. Thus, MRS provides intracellular metabolic information from localized regions of the brain, while NMR provides extracellular metabolic information from biological fluids like urine, blood or cerebrospinal fluid. This paper presents an up-to-date review of the NMR and MRS studies reported to date for methylmalonic and propionic acidemias. Vitamin B12 deficiency, although in most of its cases not inherited, shares similarities in its metabolic effects with MMA and it is also covered in this review.

Vitamin B12 deficiency in diabetic patients treated with metformin: A cross-sectional study.

Metformin is a cornerstone medication in the management of type 2 diabetes. Metformin is safe, effective, and inexpensive; however, it is associated with vitamin B12 deficiency. This study set out to evaluate the rate of vitamin B12 deficiency in Vietnamese patients with type 2 diabetes who were treated with metformin and to investigate factors associated with vitamin B12 deficiency. This is a cross-sectional study that was conducted in Vinmec Central Park Hospital from February to June 2023. The clinical and paraclinical characteristics of the participants were recorded, and the levels of vitamin B12 and folate were measured. The rate of vitamin B12 deficiency in patients treated with metformin was found to be 18.6%. Further, the duration of diabetes, duration of metformin use, metformin dose, and hemoglobin levels were statistically associated with vitamin B12 deficiency with OR (95% CI) = 1.12 (1.03-1.19), 1.01 (1.00-1.02), 1.002 (1.001-1.002), 0.74 (0.55-0.99), respectively. After adjusting for covariates, a metformin dose greater than the median dose remained the only parameter associated with vitamin B12 deficiency, with OR (95% CI) = 4.10 (1.62-10.36). Moreover, when combining both long-term use of metformin and a metformin dose greater than the median dose, the OR increased to 5.25 (95% CI: 2.11-13.15). These results demonstrate that vitamin B12 deficiency in patients treated with metformin is quite prevalent in Vietnam and that those with long-term use of metformin (48 months or more) and high metformin dose (1000 mg/day or more) are at high risk of experiencing this adverse effect and so require screening.

A review on vitamin B12 deficiency induced by metformin

Multiple studies have established a higher prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in patients who have type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Metformin is prescribed as the 1st line oral glucose-lowering medication for individuals with T2DM. However, metformin therapy has been linked to vitamin B12 malabsorption, which can result in both biochemical and clinical manifestations of vitamin B12 deficiency. The long-term use of metformin is associated with a significant decrease in vitamin B12 levels, particularly in doses greater than 2000 mg per day over a period of 4 years. Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin. It acts as a cofactor for enzymes involved in DNA synthesis and neuroprotection at the cellular level. Hence, vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to various clinical consequences, including hematologic abnormalities such as megaloblastic anemia and hypersegmented neutrophil formation, peripheral neuropathy, and progressive axonal demyelination, hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy). The latest "standards of medical care in diabetes-2017" issued by the American diabetes association recommends periodic assessment of B12 status and, if necessary, the use of B12 replacement therapy in diabetic patients taking metformin. In order to address the vitamin B12 deficiency associated with metformin several therapies are available including prophylactic supplements of calcium and vitamin B12, discontinuation of metformin, and replenishment of vitamin B12 stores through intramuscular or oral therapy. It is important to regularly monitor vitamin B12 levels for at least annually to prevent complications of vitamin B12 deficiency and continue with supplementation if metformin is still being used.

Prevalence of Vitamin B12 deficiency in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus on Metformin therapy at a single centre in Johannesburg, South Africa

Abstract Introduction: Metformin is a first-line oral hypoglycaemic agent for treating patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Studies suggest that metformin use is associated with B12 deficiency. There is a paucity of data regarding this association in South Africa. The current study aimed to determine the prevalence of B12 deficiency in a South African cohort of T2DM patients on metformin therapy. Methods: The study was a retrospective clinical audit of patients recruited from a medical outpatient setting. A consecutive sampling technique was employed; T2DM patients who were 40 years or older and on metformin for a minimum of 6 months were recruited. B12 deficiency was defined as severe (<150 pmol/L), moderate (150–169 pmol/L) or mild (170–200 pmol/L). Results: One hundred and one (n = 101) patients were enrolled, most of whom were females (65%). The prevalence of B12 deficiency was 14.9%, with most patients in the mild category. The majority of B12 deficient patients were female (67%), elderly (70.2 ±10.7 years) and of Coloured race (67%). The median duration of metformin use in B12 deficient and non-deficient patients was 10.9 (6–13) and 7 (3–12) years respectively (p =0.179). The median metformin dosage was 1700 mg. Older age (Adjusted odd ratio (AOR) 6.67 (1.16–38.3), p = 0.033) and Coloured race (AOR 7.8(1.78–34.2) p = 0.006) were associated with vitamin B12 deficiency. Conclusion: In our setting, vitamin B12 deficiency is prevalent amongst T2DM patients on metformin therapy. Older age and the novel finding of Coloured race were associated with B12 deficiency. We recommend screening for B12 deficiency amongst T2DM patients on metformin therapy.

Prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in patients treated with metformin

Background/Aim: Metformin has been associated with vitamin B 12 (cobalamin) deficiency, pushing scientific societies such as the American Diabetes Association and the European Association for the Study of Diabetes to emphasise the need for screening B 12 levels, without specific metformin doses or exposure durations triggering this screening. Robust data regarding the prevalence of B 12 deficiency in metformin-treated patients in Portugal are currently lacking. Aim of this study was to identify the prevalence of B 12 deficiency in a sample of diabetic patients taking metformin. Secondary objectives were determining the minimum dose and minimum and median time exposure time leading to this deficiency and identifying the average duration of metformin use in the patients with this deficiency. Methods: Descriptive and cross-sectional observational study was performed on a sample of 79 users from a population of 714 diabetic patients on metformin. Inclusion criteria comprised individuals aged 18 or older, receiving metformin for at least 1 month and voluntarily participating in the study. Exclusion criteria included a history of gastrectomy or B 12 supplementation. Results: A prevalence of 25.3 % of vitamin B 12 deficiency was identified in the study sample. Minimum doses of 500 mg of metformin per day and a minimum exposure period of 1 year were associated with B 12 deficiency. An average exposure time of 5.33 years was identified. Conclusion: These results align with the prevalence described in the few international studies and should alert physicians to potential clinical manifestations of this deficiency, such as anaemia and neurological symptoms like neuropathy.

Iron and Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Patients with Autoimmune Gastritis and Helicobacter pylori Gastritis: Results from a Prospective Multicenter Study.

Iron and vitamin B12 deficiencies are common in patients with atrophic gastritis, but there are limited data on the prevalence of these deficiencies in different types of atrophic gastritis. This multicenter, prospective study assessed micronutrient concentrations in histologically confirmed autoimmune gastritis (AIG, n = 45), Helicobacter pylori-related non-autoimmune gastritis (NAIG, n = 109), and control patients (n = 201). A multivariate analysis was performed to determine factors influencing those deficiencies. The median vitamin B12 concentration was significantly lower in AIG (367.5 pg/mL, Q1, Q3: 235.5, 524.5) than in NAIG (445.0 pg/mL, Q1, Q3: 355.0, 565.0, p = 0.001) and control patients (391.0 pg/mL, Q1, Q3: 323.5, 488.7, p = 0.001). Vitamin B12 deficiency was found in 13.3%, 1.5%, and 2.8% of AIG, NAIG, and control patients, respectively. Similarly, the median ferritin concentration was significantly lower in AIG (39.5 ng/mL, Q1, Q3: 15.4, 98.3 ng/mL) than in NAIG (80.5 ng/mL, Q1, Q3: 43.6, 133.9, p = 0.04) and control patients (66.5 ng/mL, Q1, Q3: 33.4, 119.8, p = 0.007). Iron deficiency and iron deficiency adjusted to CRP were present in 28.9% and 33.3% of AIG, 12.8% and 16.5% of NAIG, and 12.9% and 18.4% of controls, respectively. Multivariate analysis demonstrated that AIG patients had a higher risk of developing vitamin B12 deficiency (OR: 11.52 [2.85-57.64, p = 0.001]) and iron deficiency (OR: 2.92 [1.32-6.30, p = 0.007]) compared to control patients. Factors like age, sex, and H. pylori status did not affect the occurrence of vitamin B12 or iron deficiency. Iron and vitamin B12 deficiencies are more commonly observed in patients with AIG than in those with NAIG or control patients. Therefore, it is essential to screen for both iron and vitamin B12 deficiencies in AIG patients and include the treatment of micronutrient deficiencies in the management of atrophic gastritis patients.

Two cases of vitamin B12 deficiency in patients with beta-thalassemia trait: lessons in diagnosis

BackgroundCoexisting pathologies is not a new phenomenon and can cause diagnostic difficulties when they overshadow one another. They may alter the cytomorphology of cells and the machine readings to an extent that the actual diagnosis is missed. One such scenario is created by coexisting megaloblastic anemia and beta-thalassemia trait where the RBC indices and the hemoglobin chromatogram findings conform to neither of the two. Case presentationWe present two cases of anemia presenting with normocytic normochromic indices, increased red cell distribution width (RDW), elevated HbA2 levels and moderately high HbF levels in both of them and an additional low HbA1c in case 2. Upon evaluation of peripheral smear and biochemical tests, a non-immune hemolytic component was also identified with deficient Vit B12 levels in case 1 and highly elevated levels post-supplementation in case 2. ConclusionsTaking together the peripheral smear, erythrogram, chromatogram and biochemical findings, it was deduced that the alterations were caused by coexisting beta-thalassemia trait and megaloblastic anemia. Vit B12 deficiency was the cause behind hemolysis owing to intramedullary destruction of abnormal precursors. Upon supplementation in case 2, the immediate reticulocyte response was the reason behind spuriously low HbA1c.

Risk of Anemia and Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus on Metformin Therapy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction Metformin is a commonly used medication for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM). It has also been hypothesized to reduce the absorption of vitamin B12 in the GI tract. Development of B12 deficiency due to metformin-associated reduced absorption would take years to develop, because vitamin B12 has sufficient stores for 3-10 years. As such, the present systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effect of metformin on anemia and vitamin B12 deficiency, with outcomes stratified by duration and dosage of metformin exposure. Methods Electronic searches were conducted on MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials from inception to June 2023, supplemented with manual citation search. Two reviewers independently and in duplicate assessed titles, abstracts, and full-text articles, with discrepancies resolved by a third member. Studies considered for inclusion were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and non-randomized studies (NRS) in any language, evaluating anemia risk in T2DM patients using metformin compared to standard-of-care non-metformin treatments for T2DM . The primary outcome was frequency of anemia. Secondary outcomes included frequency of vitamin B12 deficiency, changes in serum hemoglobin and vitamin B12 levels, folate deficiency, changes in serum folic acid, and homocysteine levels. Results were stratified based on the Metformin Use Index (MUI), which categorizes daily metformin dose in mg x duration in years/1000 into three subgroups: MUI ≤ 5, MUI > 5, and MUI Unspecified (when the primary study did not report or stratify based on metformin dosage and duration). Mantel-Haenszel random effects model was used to synthesize binary and continuous endpoints, providing odds ratios (OR) and mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Results 7443 studies were retrieved from electronic databases and 26 studies comprising 6 RCTs, and 20 NRS were included. In total, 17343 patients were included in this systematic review. Overall, the risk of anemia did not significantly differ between the metformin and control group (OR 1.10 [95%CI 0.64, 1.91]). Subgroup analysis also revealed no significant differences between metformin and control in the MUI ≤ 5 group (OR 1.58 [95%CI 0.54, 4.58]) and the MUI > 5 group (OR 1.12 [95%CI 0.48, 2.65]). Metformin was associated with an increased risk of vitamin B12 deficiency compared to control (OR 2.32 [95%CI 1.51, 3.57]). Subgroup analysis demonstrated that the difference was only significant in the MUI > 5 (OR 3.57 [95%CI 2.98, 4.27]) and the MUI Unspecified groups (OR 2.24 [95%CI 1.48, 3.38]), but not in the MUI ≤ 5 group (OR 1.01 [95%CI 0.83, 1.23]). The subgroup differences were significant (p<0.01). Metformin was associated with a decrease in serum vitamin B12 level (MD -71.55 pmol/L [95%CI -89.27, -53.82]), and change in serum hemoglobin could not be pooled given only one primary study. Serum homocysteine was higher in the metformin group (MD 2.45 µmol/L [95%CI 1.48, 3.41]), and there were no significant differences between metformin and control in both incidence of folate deficiency and change in serum folic acid. Conclusion Metformin use does not appear to increase the risk of anemia compared to placebo or other standard-of-care treatments in T2DM. Vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with metformin use, however likely only in those with longer/greater-dose (metformin use index > 5). Monitoring and supplementation of vitamin B12 level are likely beneficial in this population. Our study is limited by heterogenous criteria for anemia and vitamin B12 deficiency across jurisdictions. Further studies on the safety profile of metformin are recommended to include anemia as an outcome and result-stratification based on metformin dose and duration.

Prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in type 2 diabetic patients taking metformin, a cross-sectional study in primary healthcare.

Several studies documented that metformin use contributes to vitamin B12 deficiency in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). However, there has been a lack of data assessing this issue in Jordan. Assess the vitamin B12 serum levels, frequency of vitamin B12 deficiency, and related factors among Jordanian patients with T2DM patients treated with metformin. a total of 447 subjects attending a primary health care center were included in this cross-sectional study consisting of T2DM patients who use metformin and a control group of non-diabetics. Serum B12 levels were evaluated and B12 deficiency was defined as serum B12 levels ≤ 200 pmol/L. Associations of B12 serum levels or B12 deficiency with other factors like gender, age, and duration of T2DM were analyzed. There was no significant difference in serum B12 levels nor the frequency of vitamin B12 deficiency between T2DM metformin-treated patients and control groups. Among metformin-treated patients there was no difference relating to age, type 2 diabetes mellitus duration, proton pump inhibitors use, and metformin use (duration, dose) between patients with or without B12 deficiency. The prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency among T2DM patients on metformin treatment in this study was high (48.9%). However, the treatment with metformin and the dose of metformin use was not associated with vitamin B12 deficiency.

STUDY OF VITAMIN B12 LEVELS IN PATIENT WITH TYPE 2 DIABETES MELLITUS

Aims :-Evaluation of serum Vitamin B12 levels in type 2 diabetic population. Objectives:-1) To define the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in type 2 diabetic population.2) To determine the risk factors associated with Vit B12 deficiency in type 2 diabetes like Age and Metformin use.3) To Assess the co-relation of Serum B12 levels and Diabetic Retinopathy in Type II Diabetes mellitus. Material and Methods:-This case control study was conducted in OPD of Department of General Medicine, Sarvajanik Hospital, Pune between June 2012 to May 2013. A total of 50 type 2 Diabetes Mellitus patients and 50 controls between 40 to 60 years were included. Serum Vitamin B12 levels and serum homocysteine levels were measured in all patients. Results:-The Vitamin B12 deficiency was present in 56% of the diabetics and 32% of the non-diabetics. Vitamin B12 deficiency was present in 48.4% of patients who were not on metformin and 68.4% of than those were on metformin. No significant increase in the prevalence of neuropathy, anaemia, or MCV was found in the Vitamin B12 deficient patients as compared to patients with normal Conclusions:- The study has shown that the diabetes was common after the age of 40 years. Male sex, Overweight and Obesity were other risk factors. Majority of the patients in this study had the diabetes more than 5 years and their blood sugar markers were disturbed. This study has shown that the vitamin B12 deficiency was found in more than half of the diabetics, metformin users and those who were on vegetarian diet.

Vitamin B12 deficiency in long-term metformin treated type 2 diabetic patients: Prevalence and risk factors in a Tunisian population.

Objectives: To determine the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in a Tunisian population with type 2 diabetes (T2D) on metformin treatment for more than three years and to identify its risk factors. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted on 257 patients with T2D treated with metformin for at least three years. Patients were divided into two groups according to their vitamin B12 status. Low vitamin B12 was defined as ≤ 203 pg/mL. Results: The mean age of the patients was 59.8 ± 7.9 years. The mean duration of metformin use was 10.2 ± 5.2 years. The mean vitamin B12 level was 294.9 ± 156.4 pg/mL. The prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency was 28.4%. Male gender, HbA1c < 7% and hyperhomocysteinemia were significantly associated with vitamin B12 deficiency (respectively p = 0.02, p < 0.001, p < 0.001). Homocysteine level was negatively correlated with vitamin B12 level (r = -0.2, p = 0.001). Dose and duration of metformin treatment, peripheral neuropathy and anemia were not associated with vitamin B12 deficiency. On multivariate analysis, HbA1c < 7% and hyperhomocysteinemia were independently associated with vitamin B12 deficiency (respectively OR = 3.2, 95%CI = [1.6-6.3] and OR = 2.3, 95%CI = [1.2-4.2]). Discussion: The prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in patients with T2D on metformin treatment was high. Hyperhomocysteinemia is associated with vitamin B12 deficiency suggesting that the deficit occurs at the tissue level.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency and Peripheral Neuropathy in patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Treated with Metformin. An integrative review

Background/Purpose: Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a worldwide pathology with several complications, and 50% of patients with T2DM develop peripheral neuropathy (PN) in the long term. The present study aimed to review the literature on the association between PN and vitamin B12 deficiency in patients with T2DM treated with metformin. Materials and methods: A literature review was carried out in the PubMed Central, Cochrane, Scielo, Scopus and Embase databases, from 2015 to 2021. We found 755 studies, of which 16 were included. Results: The serum level of vitamin B12 was lower in individuals with at least one neurological symptom. Treatment with metformin was associated with reduced serum vitamin B12 levels, and its use was defined as a probable cause of PN due to reduced vitamin B12. Studies that performed supplementation with methylcobalamin demonstrated significant improvement in neuropathic symptoms. Vitamin B12 supplementation therapy for diabetic patients undergoing metformin treatment has been suggested. Conclusion: Deficiency of vitamin B12 associated to metformin can be considered a risk factor for PN. Periodically evaluation of serum levels of vitamin B12 is recommended for patients on metformin treatment.

Association between metformin and vitamin B12 deficiency in patients with type 2 diabetes

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is still one of the most common diseases worldwide, and its prevalence is still increasing globally. According to the American and European recommendations, metformin is considered a first-line oral hypo-glycemic drug for controlling type 2 DM (T2DM) patients. Metformin is the ninth most often prescribed drug in the world, and at least 120 million diabetic people are estimated to receive the drug. In the last 20 years, there has been increasing evidence of vitamin B12 deficiency among metformin-treated diabetic patients. Many studies have reported that vitamin B12 deficiency is related to the ma-labsorption of vitamin B12 among metformin-treated T2DM patients. Vitamin B12 deficiency may have a very bad complication for the T2DM patient. In this review, we will focus on the effect of metformin on the absorption of vitamin B12 and on its proposed mechanisms in hindering vitamin B12 absorption. In addition, the review will describe the clinical outcomes of vitamin B12 deficiency in metformin-treated T2DM.

Involvement of folate and vitamin B12 deficiency in patients with normocytic anemia.

Deficiencies in folate (FA) and vitamin B12 (VB12) are causes of macrocytic anemia. However, in clinical practice, FA and/or VB12 deficiency can occur in patients with normocytic anemia. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of FA/VB12 deficiency in patients with normocytic anemia and the importance of vitamin replacement therapy in these patients. We retrospectively reviewed electronic medical record information of patients whose hemoglobin and serum FA/VB12 concentrations were measured at the Department of Hematology (N=1,388) and other departments (N=1,421) of Fujita Health University Hospital. In the Hematology Department, 530 (38%) patients showed normocytic anemia. Of these, 49 (9.2%) had FA/VB12 deficiency. Twenty of 49 (41%) patients had some hematological malignancies and 27 (55%) had benign hematological disorders. Of the nine patients who received vitamin replacement therapy, one showed a partial improvement in the hemoglobin concentration of ≥1g/dL. In the clinical setting, the measurement of FA/VB12 concentrations in patients with normocytic anemia may be useful. Replacement therapy may be a treatment option to consider in patients with low FA/VB12 concentrations. However, physicians need to pay attention to the presence of background diseases, and the mechanisms of this situation require further investigation.

Vitamin B12 levels in thyroid disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Numerous studies have found an association between vitamin deficiency and thyroid disorders (TD). The presence of anti-parietal cell antibodies is indicative of reduced ability to absorb vitamin B12. Thus, this study reviewed the existing studies with the objective of assessing differences in the serum levels of vitamin B12 among patients with and without TD, the frequency of vitamin B12 deficiency in patients with TD, and the presence of anti-parietal cell antibodies in patients with TD. A meta-analysis of random-effects model was conducted to calculate pooled frequencies, mean differences (MD), and their respective 95% confidence intervals (CI). We identified 64 studies that met our inclusion criteria (n = 28597). We found that patients with hypothyroidism had lower vitamin B12 levels than healthy participants (MD: -60.67 pg/mL; 95% CI: -107.31 to -14.03 pg/mL; p = 0.01). No significant differences in vitamin B12 levels were observed between healthy participants and patients with hyperthyroidism (p = 0.78), autoimmune thyroid disease (AITD) (p = 0.22), or subclinical hypothyroidism (SH) (p = 0.79). The frequencies of vitamin B12 deficiency among patients with hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, SH, and AITD were 27%, 6%, 27%, and 18%, respectively. Patients with hypothyroidism had lower levels of vitamin B12 than healthy participants. No significant differences were observed between vitamin B12 levels and hyperthyroidism, AITD, or SH. https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=324422, identifier (CRD42022324422).

Overview of proper co-ordering of vitamin B12 injection for a vitamin B12 deficient patients who were prescribed vitamin b12 injection in Al Thumama Health Centre July -September 2021

Overview of proper co-ordering of vitamin B12 injection for a vitamin B12 deficient patients who were prescribed vitamin b12 injection in Al Thumama Health Centre July -September 2021

Is there a relationship between metformin-related gastrointestinal symptoms and vitamin B12 deficiency in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus?

Metformin (MTF) associated gastrointestinal symptoms are fairly common side effects that adversely affect patients' treatment adherence. However, the variability of gastrointestinal symptoms in MTF-using patients has not been fully explained. In our study, we aimed to investigate the relationship between vitamin B12 deficiency with MTF-related gastrointestinal symptoms. Patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) using MTF were included in the study sequentially. Demographic characteristics of the patients, duration of diabetes, MTF dose and duration used, and gastrointestinal symptoms were recorded. Afterward, a hemogram, HgbA1c, and vitamin B12 measurements were performed. Patients with and without vitamin B12 deficiency were divided into two groups. The two groups were compared with statistical methods. Twenty-five percent of patients had low serum vitamin B12 levels. Patients with vitamin B12 deficiency had a longer diabetes duration, and a longer MTF usage duration (p&lt;0.001, p&lt;0.001) than the patients without vitamin B12 deficiency. There was no correlation between B12 deficiency and MTF dosage (p=0.590). Gastrointestinal symptoms were seen more frequently in the B12 deficiency group (p=0.025). Bloating and constipation, nausea, abdominal pain, and vomiting were seen commonly in the B12 deficiency group (p=0.002, p&lt;0.001, p=0.014, p=0.004, respectively). Three or more symptoms were frequently seen in B12-deficient patients (p&lt;0.001). Patients with both a MTF usage duration of 10 years or higher and vitamin B12 deficiency are found to be 434% more likely to have active gastrointestinal symptoms than all other patient groups (OR:5.343, 95%CI (2.173-13.140), p&lt;0.001). Study results have shown that gastrointestinal symptoms seen in patients with T2DM taking MTF may be associated with vitamin B12 deficiency. MTF-related gut microbiome changes may play a role in this relationship. In particular, we recommend that patients who have been using MTF for ≥10 years and have gastrointestinal complaints should be followed more closely for vitamin B12 deficiency.

Vitamin B12 deficiency without anemia in Saudi Arabia: a single-center experience

Abstract Objectives The study aimed to estimate the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in adult Saudi patients and anemia in those patients. Furthermore, the mean level of vitamin B12 in anemic and nonanemic participants was estimated. Methodology This retrospective study involved the evaluation of medical records from adult Saudi Arabian participants who underwent vitamin B12 level testing for nonspecific symptoms during 1 years (2022–2023) at a single center in the Al Qassim region of Saudi Arabia. The data for vitamin B12 level and anemia status among B12-deficient patients were estimated to calculate the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency and the prevalence of anemia in those patients. Results The prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency was 11.46% among 8365 participants. The mean age among all vitamin B12-deficient patients was significantly lower compared with those with normal vitamin B12 levels. Female patients had a lower mean vitamin B12 level than male patients. The prevalence of anemia in the vitamin B12-deficient group was 23.46% among the total participants, with female patients having a significantly higher prevalence of anemia than males. The mean value for mean corpuscular volume (MCV) in anemic vitamin B12-deficient patients was normal, and the prevalence of macrocytosis was low (1.3%). The effect of gender on vitamin B12 deficiency and anemia status was significant. Conclusion The present study has provided additional evidence regarding the lack of a causal correlation between vitamin B12 deficiency and anemia. Moreover, the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency and anemia was higher in female patients than in males.