High frequency of low serum levels of vitamin B [12] among patients attending Jordan University Hospital

Abstract

This study aimed to estimate the status of serum vitamin B[‎12]‎ level in patients attending Jordan University Hospital in Amman, and to examine the relationship with demographic data, chronic illness, dietary habits, haematological parameters and symptoms related to vitamin B[‎12]‎ levels. A total of 838 patients completed a questionnaire and gave blood samples; 44.6% were vitamin B[‎12]‎ deficient [‎< 180 pg/mL]‎ and 34.2% had hypovitaminosis [‎180-300 pg/mL]‎. Vitamin B[‎12]‎ deficiency was associated with memory impairment, low meat intake and strict vegetarian [‎vegan]‎ diets. The high frequency of low vitamin B[‎12]‎ warrants the development of a strategy to correct this problem in Jordan