Vitamin B12 status among asymptomatic young adult females and its association with some anthropometric and biochemical parameters: A cross-sectional study from Makkah (cobalamin deficiency in young adult females)

Abstract

This study was designed to measure the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency among young adult females in Makkah City and study its correlation with some anthropometric and biochemical indicators. A cross-sectional study and a detailed questionnaire were used to collect information from 402 young women aged 19 to 22 years, who were university students. Moreover, dietary assessments using a validated food frequency questionnaire and anthropometric measurements were performed. The mean values of serum vitamin B12, serum folate, hemoglobin, and body mass index (BMI) were 343.29 ± 148.16 pg/mL, 12.72 ± 2.62 ng/mL, 12.69 ± 1.41 g/dL, and 22.64 ± 4.24 kg/m2, respectively. About three-quarters of the study sample had normal vitamin B12 levels, while the rest had vitamin B12 deficiency. Meanwhile, a significant negative association (r = −0.201, P = .048) was found between abdominal fat and serum vitamin B12 levels. This study concluded that the young adult females’ population from Makkah City is among the risk groups for vitamin B12 deficiency, which is highly correlated with inappropriate values of weight, body fat, and some blood indices. Appropriate dietary interventions and awareness are needed for this population.