Increased vitamin B₁₂ levels in children with zinc deficiency

Abstract

Additional nutritional deficiencies may accompany zinc deficiency. We determined the vitamin B levels in patients with zinc (Zn) deficiency. This retrospective study enrolled 256 patients age 6 months to 16 years (176 females and 80 males) in whom Zn levels in hair samples were measured concurrently with serum vitamin B and ferritin levels. For all patients, we retrospectively assessed the hair Zn levels, serum ferritin and vitamin B levels, red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, and red cell distribution levels. Data were analyzed to determine whether there was a significant difference between any of these parameters and the presence of vitamin B deficiency between patients with and without Zn deficiency. In all 118 patients had Zn levels < 100 μg/g and 138 patients had levels > 100 μg/g. No significant differences were observed in ferritin levels, red blood cell parameters, or presence of iron deficiency or anemia between the two groups (p > 0.05). The median vitamin B level was 323 (range 238-440) pg/mL in the Zn-deficient group and 276 (range 208-382) pg/mL in those with normal Zn levels. Vitamin B levels were significantly higher in the Zn-deficient group (p = 0.02). A significant negative correlation was detected between vitamin B levels and Zn levels (r = -0.17, p = 0.004). Vitamin B levels are higher in patients with Zn deficiency; thus, Zn may have a negative effect on vitamin B levels.

Zinc Deficiency: The Association with Vitamin B12 in People of Different Ages

“…In contrast to the results of our study, Betul Ergul et al, the study showed that in the zinc-deficient group, vitamin B12 level was significantly higher than in the normal group (19). It can be inferred that these discrepancies might be due to individual differences and variant dieting patterns among different populations.…”

“…Zinc deficiency is considered a very serious health problem since it is the fifth most important cause of disease, leading to morbidity and mortality (11)(12)(13). Many studies have shown that zinc deficiency in humans causes postponed growth, skin lesions, and sexual dysfunction in adolescents (16)(17)(18)(19). The need for zinc in childhood is crucial because of rapid growth, the main characteristic of this age span.…”