The Frequency of Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Patients with Helicobacter Pylori Infection and the Relationship Between Helicobacter Pylori and Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Objectives: This study aims to investigate the relationship between Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) and vitamin B12 deficiency, one of the effects of H. pylori outside the gastrointestinal system.
Methods: Between January 1, 2013 and September 1, 2013, the data of 175 patients who required vitamin B12 examination and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy procedure by the attending physician in the internal medicine outpatient clinic of Kartal Dr. Lütfi Kırdar Training and Research Hospital were retrospectively evaluated. Patients with H. pylori infection (n=125) were included in the patient group, while patients without H. pylori infection (n: 50) were included in the control group.
Results: Vitamin B12 deficiency was present in 32.57% (n=57) of all patients included in the study. While vitamin B12 deficiency was detected in 37.6% (n=47) of 125 H. pylori positive patients, vitamin B12 deficiency was not detected in 62.4% (n=78) patients. While vitamin B12 deficiency was detected in 20% (n=10) of 50 H. pylori negative patients, vitamin B12 deficiency was not detected in 80% (n=40).
Conclusion: The statistical relationship between H. pylori and vitamin B12 deficiency was significant (p: 0.025).