Serum vitamin B12 and folate levels in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
The aim of the study was the evaluation of serum vitamin B12 and folate levels in patients with biopsy-proven non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and their association with the disease severity. Thirty patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD and 24 healthy controls matched for gender, age, body mass index and waist circumference were recruited. Blood samples for vitamin B12, folate, insulin and standard biochemical tests were obtained after overnight fasting. Homeostatic model of assessment-insulin resistance was calculated. There was no difference in serum vitamin B12 and folate levels between groups. Neither vitamin B12 nor folate levels were significantly different within any histological category, including steatosis grade, fibrosis stage, lobular inflammation, portal inflammation and ballooning. In conclusion, similar vitamin B12 and folate levels were observed in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and non-alcoholic fatty liver patients, and controls. Furthermore, vitamin B12 and folate levels were not associated with either insulin resistance or the severity of liver disease.
Department of Medicine, Second Medical Clinic, Ippokration Hospital, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Simou Lianidi 13, Thessaloniki, Greece. stergios@endo.gr
Stergios A
SA
Polyzos
Jannis
J
Kountouras
Kalliopi
K
Patsiaoura
Evangelia
E
Katsiki
Efthimia
E
Zafeiriadou
Christos
C
Zavos
Georgia
G
Deretzi
Eleni
E
Tsiaousi
Aristidis
A
Slavakis
D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005234:Fatty Liver / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D008593:Menopause; D008875:Middle Aged; D065626:Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease; D009765:Obesity; D014805:Vitamin B 12 / Q000097:blood
D005492:Folic Acid; D014805:Vitamin B 12