Objective: Vitamin B12 is crucial for cell metabolism, deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis and cell proliferation. Hematological and neurological systems are known to be affected in vitamin B12 deficiency. The aim of this study was to research the effects of vitamin B12 deficiency on kidney function parameters.Material and Methods: Thirty-four children with vitamin B12 deficiency and 36 sex and age-matched healthy controls were included in the study. Complete blood count, serum urea, creatinin, vitamin B12, holotranscobalamin, methyl malonic acid, homocysteine, ferritin, folate and estimated glomerular filtration rate were recorded. Additionally, spot urine protein, microalbumin and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin were measured.Results: Kidney function parameters were normal for childrens that participated the study. Serum kidney function parameters adjusted for age also showed no significant difference between the two groups. No correlation was found between serum vitamin B12 and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin; however, a negative correlation was detected between neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and holotranscobalamin (r =-0.24, p =0.045). Holotranscobalamin was substantially lower in the group with vitamin B12 deficiency (p<0.001).
Conclusion:No negative influence of B12 deficiency on kidney function was found in non-anemic children.