Distribution of Vitamin B12 Level According to Socio-Demographic Characteristics in Patients of Dhiraj General Hospital, Pipariya, Gujarat

Background: Vitamin B12 is a biologically active corrinoid, a group of cobalt containing compounds with macrocyclic pyrrol rings. Vitamin B12 deficiency is characterized by megaloblastic anemia, fatigue, weakness, constipation, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Neurological changes, such as numbness and tingling in the hands and feet, can also occur. Materials and Methods: Records of the patients who tested for vitamin B12 during April 2011 to September 2011 were analyzed. Secondary data on vitamin B12 level, age, sex, referring unit, religion and dietary history of these patients were obtain from hospital records. Results: Gender did not appear to contribute towards the B12 deficiency according to our study. Vegetarian dietary habit was found to be a substantial risk factor for B12 deficiency