Effect of vitamin B12 deficiency on olfactory function

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Otolaryngology
• Nutritional Science

Background:

• Vitamin B12 is crucial for nervous system maintenance, impacting the spinal cord, brain, and peripheral nerves.
• The effect of vitamin B12 deficiency on olfactory function remains largely unstudied.
• This research investigates the potential link between vitamin B12 deficiency and olfactory impairment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of vitamin B12 deficiency on olfactory function.
• To compare olfactory test results between individuals with and without vitamin B12 deficiency.
• To explore correlations between olfactory function and vitamin B12 levels.

Main Methods:

• The study included 39 patients with low vitamin B12 levels and 34 controls.
• Otorhinolaryngological examinations and laboratory tests were performed on all participants.
• Olfactory function was assessed using the Sniffin' Stick test, with results compared between groups.

Main Results:

• Vitamin B12-deficient patients showed significantly lower olfactory scores (TDI: 28.04 ± 5.58) compared to controls (35.10 ± 2.84).
• Hyposmia and anosmia were present in 56.4% and 5.1% of vitamin B12-deficient patients, respectively.
• A positive correlation was observed between olfactory function (TDI score) and vitamin B12 levels.

Conclusions:

• This study demonstrates a novel association between vitamin B12 deficiency and olfactory dysfunction.
• A significant percentage of individuals with vitamin B12 deficiency experience impaired sense of smell.
• Maintaining adequate vitamin B12 levels may be important for preserving olfactory function.