An assessment of serum vitamin B12 and folate in patients with Crohn’s disease

Abstract

Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that can involve any area in the gastrointestinal tract often involving the distal ileum where vitamin B12 is specifically absorbed. The aim of this study was to ascertain serum vitamin B12 and folate levels in order to investigate the correlation among these vitamin levels and disease activation, localization, duration and age at the onset of the disease.Study population included 103 patients with Crohn's disease and a healthy control group of 114 individuals. C-reactive protein, vitamin B12, folate levels were studied along with hemogram analyses. The results were evaluated in statistical comparisons. While serum vitamin B12 levels and serum folate levels were 161.9 ± 63.2(73-496) pg/mL and 4.9 ± 1.4(1.2-9.4) ng/mL in the Crohn's patient group respectively, they were 321.7 ± 126.3(85-680) pg/mL and 7.6 ± 3.8(3-25.1) ng/mL in the control group respectively. Vitamin B12 and folate levels were distinctly lower in patients with Chron's disease than those of the control group (P < .001). The intragroup analysis of the patient group revealed that low vitamin B12 levels were significantly lower in the moderate group classified according to the Crohn's Disease Activity Index (P < .001), along with those in the L1 group with terminal/distal ileal involvement (P < .001).Vitamin B12 and folate deficiencies are quite prevalent in patients with Crohn's disease while this condition can lead to various complications and they prove to be important risk factors associated especially with thrombosis and its complications. Patients must be regularly followed-up for vitamin B12 and folate levels to supplement them where needed.

Nutritional Status and Its Detection in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Diseases

“…Similar serum B12 concentrations in CD and controls were reported by Geerling et al [47] and Yakut et al [61]. Geerling et al [45], Kallel et al [62], and Akbulut et al [63] reported significantly lower serum vitamin B12 concentrations in CD patients compared to HSs. Valentini et al [46] showed similar vitamin B12 deficiencies in CD patients in remission (9.6%) and HSs (0.0%) [30,43].…”

“…According to most authors, there is no difference in the plasma concentration of folic acid between IBD patients and HSs, but in numerous analyzed cases, folate supplementation is already used [21,45,47,61,62]. Contrary to the abovementioned studies, Akbulut et al [63], in a study including 103 CD patients and 103 healthy controls, reported a significantly lower serum concentration of folic acid in CD patients compared to HSs (p < 0.01). Yakut et al [61], in a study including 138 IBD patients (45 CD and 93 UC patients) and 53 HSs, noted a significantly higher rate of folate deficiency (28.8%) in CD patients (28.8%) compared to controls (3.7%) (p < 0.001).…”

Identification of Putative Causal Relationships between Blood-Based Biomarkers and Prediabetes-Induced Senescence: A Comprehensive Review

“…Subsequent investigations should delve into the complex functions of supplementary blood-based indicators, such as folate and B12, concerning prediabetes-induced senescence [287]. It is crucial to investigate how dietary deficiencies, particularly regarding important nutrients like folate and B12, affect senescence and the effects of aging in prediabetic individuals [288].…”

Identification of Putative Causal Relationships Between Blood-Based Biomarkers and Prediabetes-Induced Senescence: A Comprehensive Review

“…These intervention strategies may improve the general health and longevity of prediabetic individuals while also delaying the onset of senescence. The Role of Additional Biomarkers (e.g., Folate and B12, Osteocalcin) in Future Research on Prediabetes-Induced Senescence [264] Subsequent investigations ought to delve into the complex functions of supplementary bloodbased indicators, like folate and B12, concerning prediabetes-induced senescence [268]. It is crucial to look into how dietary deficiencies, particularly in regard to important nutrients like folate and B12, affect senescence and the effects of aging on people who are prediabetic [269].…”