Relation between vitamin B12 and Non-alcoholic fatty Liver Disease: A Hospital Based Study

Background/Aims: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease is the most common liver disease worldwide. NAFLD is characterized by excessive fat accumulation in the form of triglycerides in the liver. A subgroup of NAFLD patients has liver cell injury and inflammation in addition to excessive steatohepatitis. The liver plays an important role in the storage and bioavailability of vitamin B12. The relation between NAFLD and vitamin B12 has not been adequately studied. Therefore the current study investigated the vitamin B12 levels in NAFLD. Patients and Methods: Vitamin B12 levels were measured in patients with NAFLD at Salman Bin Abdul Aziz University Hospital, Al Kzharj, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. All patients were assessed by liver function test, lipid profile, hepatitis viral markers and abdominal ultrasound. The levels of vitamin B12 were correlated with the stage of NAFLD, lipid profile and liver parameters. Results: Vitamin B12 levels were significantly lower in patients with NAFLD. Vitamin B12 levels inversely correlated with cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Patients with vitamin B12 deficiency had more advanced NAFLD as well as gastric manifestations treated by PPI. Blood sugar levels were also higher in NAFLD patients. Conclusion: Vitamin B12 levels are lower in NAFLD patients. This has important implications since it is important to assess vitamin B12 levels in NAFLD patients and provide vitamin B12 supplementation.