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Vitamin B12 deficiency in Jordan: a population-based study
Mohammed El-Khateeb1, Yousef Khader, Anwar Batieha
1National Center for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Genetics, Amman, Jordan.
Annals of Nutrition & Metabolism
|June 20, 2014
Summary
Vitamin B12 deficiency affects nearly one-third of Jordanian adults, with no gender disparity. Supplement intake may offer protection against this widespread condition.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Nutritional Science
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Vitamin B12 deficiency is a global health concern linked to various diseases.
- Limited research exists on vitamin B12 status in developing nations, particularly Jordan.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the vitamin B12 status across the Jordanian population.
- To identify specific demographic groups at higher risk for vitamin B12 deficiency.
Main Methods:
- A national sample of 2,847 Jordanian adults (aged >18) was surveyed.
- Data collection included interviews, physical measurements, and laboratory analysis of vitamin B12 levels.
- Prevalence was calculated based on established vitamin B12 level thresholds.
Main Results:
- 30.1% of participants exhibited low vitamin B12 levels (<200 pg/ml).
- An additional 13.4% had borderline levels (201-350 pg/ml), with some showing elevated homocysteine and low holocobalamin.
- The overall prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency, including borderline cases with indicators, reached 32.2%.
Conclusions:
- Approximately one-third of Jordanian adults suffer from vitamin B12 deficiency, affecting both genders equally.
- Consumption of vitamin B complex and multivitamins appears to be protective.
- Further research into dietary habits is recommended to understand regional and age-related variations.
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