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This page shows you the latest news and research items in this category.

Laboratory testing for cobalamin deficiency in megaloblastic anemia
Abstract Cobalamin (vitamin B12) deficiency is a common cause of megaloblastic anemia in Western populations. Laboratory evaluation of megaloblastic anemia frequently includes assessment of patient cobalamin and folate status. Current total serum cobalamin measurements are performed in the clinical laboratory with competitive binding luminescence assays, whose results may not always accurately reflect actual cobalamin stores. Surrogate markers of cobalamin deficiency such as methylmalonic acid and homocysteine have been utilized in order to improve diagnostic accuracy, however the specificity of these tests by themselves a...
Source: American Journal of Hematology - February 20, 2013 Category: Hematology Authors: Matthew J. Oberley, David T. Yang Tags: Test of the Month Source Type: research

Parkinson's disease and osteoporosis
Conclusion: bone loss in PD is multifactorial. It is clinically important because of the concomitant risk of fractures. Screening for osteoporosis should be considered more often, and therapeutic interventions should be initiated. (Source: Age and Ageing)
Source: Age and Ageing - February 18, 2013 Category: Geriatrics Authors: van den Bos, F., Speelman, A. D., Samson, M., Munneke, M., Bloem, B. R., Verhaar, H. J. J. Tags: Review Source Type: research

Molecular and cellular effects of vitamin B12 in brain, myocardium and liver through its role as co-factor of methionine synthase.
In conclusion, vitamin B12 influences cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis in brain. Vitamin B12 and folate combined deficiency impairs fatty acid oxidation and energy metabolism in liver and heart through epigenomic mechanisms related to imbalanced acetylation/methylation. Some but not all of these effects reflect the upstream role of vitamin B12 in SAM synthesis. PMID: 23415654 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Biochimie)
Source: Biochimie - February 14, 2013 Category: Biochemistry Authors: Guéant JL, Caillerez-Fofou M, Battaglia-Hsu S, Alberto JM, Freund JN, Dulluc I, Adjalla C, Maury F, Merle C, Nicolas JP, Namour F, Daval JL Tags: Biochimie Source Type: research

Vitamin B12 and Peripheral Nerve Function in Elderly Adults: “Functional” B12 Deficiency As a Confounding Variable
(Source: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society)
Source: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society - February 13, 2013 Category: Geriatrics Authors: Lawrence R. Solomon Tags: Letters to the Editor Source Type: research

Detection of vitamin B12 deficiency in alcohol abuse
(Source: Acta Ophthalmologica)
Source: Acta Ophthalmologica - February 11, 2013 Category: Opthalmology Authors: Jan Willem R. Pott Tags: Letter to the Editor Source Type: research

Metformin Increases Liver Accumulation of Vitamin B12 - an Experimental Study in Rats.
CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION: These results show that metformin treatment increases liver accumulation of B(12), thereby resulting in decreases in circulating B(12) and kidney accumulation of the vitamin. Our data questions whether the low plasma B(12) observed in patients treated with metformin reflects impaired B(12) status, and rather suggests altered tissue distribution and metabolism of the vitamin. PMID: 23402786 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Biochimie)
Source: Biochimie - February 9, 2013 Category: Biochemistry Authors: Greibe E, Miller JW, Foutouhi SH, Green R, Nexo E Tags: Biochimie Source Type: research

Gastric intrinsic factor deficiency with combined GIF heterozygous mutations and FUT2 secretor variant.
We report 2 families with heterozygous GIF mutation, 290T>C, M97T, with decreased binding affinity of GIF for vitamin B12 and one family with heterozygous GIF mutation 435_437delGAA, K145_N146delinsN and no B12 binding activity of mutated GIF. All cases with vitamin B12 deficit carried the FUT2 rs601338 secretor variant. Ulex europeus binding to GIF was influenced by FUT2 genotypes and GIF concentration was lower, in gastric juice from control subjects with the secretor genotype. GIF290C allele was reported in 5 European cases and no Africans among 1282 ambulatory subjects and was associated with low plasma vitamin B12 ...
Source: Biochimie - February 8, 2013 Category: Biochemistry Authors: Chery C, Hehn A, Mrabet N, Oussalah A, Jeannesson E, Besseau C, Alberto JM, Gross I, Josse T, Gérard P, Guéant-Rodriguez RM, Freund JN, Devignes J, Bourgaud F, Peyrin-Biroulet L, Feillet F, Guéant JL Tags: Biochimie Source Type: research

A nested case–control study to evaluate the association between fetal growth restriction and vitamin B12 deficiency
ConclusionsNo association between maternal vitamin B12 levels and fetal growth restriction was found in this study. Low birth weight babies were more common in women of low socioeconomic status. (Source: The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology)
Source: The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology - February 1, 2013 Category: OBGYN Authors: Anuja Abraham, Jiji E. Mathews, Ajit Sebastian, Kuruvilla P. Chacko, Dibu Sam Tags: Short Communication Source Type: research

Glossitis secondary to vitamin B12 deficiency anemia.
PMID: 23359038 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: cmaj)
Source: cmaj - January 28, 2013 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Stoopler ET, Kuperstein AS Tags: CMAJ Source Type: research

Brief Report: Childhood Disintegrative Disorder as a Likely Manifestation of Vitamin B12 Deficiency.
Abstract Childhood disintegrative disorder is a rare disorder, characterized by regression of acquired skills after a period of normal development. The case of childhood disintegrative disorder presented here was found to have vitamin B12 deficiency and hyperhomocysteinemia on extensive evaluation to find a probable cause for regression. This case illustrates the need for a thorough evaluation of all cases of childhood disintegrative disorder so that treatable causes of regression, like vitamin B12 deficiency, are not missed. PMID: 23334842 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders)
Source: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders - January 20, 2013 Category: Psychiatry Authors: Malhotra S, Subodh BN, Parakh P, Lahariya S Tags: J Autism Dev Disord Source Type: research

Evaluation of Peripapillary Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness in Patients With Vitamin B12 Deficiency Using Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography.
Conclusion: We have shown that, as in other non-glaucomatous optic neuropathies, temporal quadrant RNFL thickness was thinner in patients with vitamin B12 deficiency and it was correlated with plasma vitamin B12 levels. Further studies are warranted to clarify the clinical relevance of these findings and the effects of vitamin B12 replacement therapy. PMID: 23317171 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Current Eye Research)
Source: Current Eye Research - January 14, 2013 Category: Opthalmology Authors: Türkyılmaz K, Oner V, Türkyılmaz AK, Kırbaş A, Kırbaş S, Sekeryapan B Tags: Curr Eye Res Source Type: research

Falling due to vitamin B12 deficiency - Jansen L, van der Linden CM.
BACKGROUND: Ataxia due to a vitamin B12 deficiency can be a cause of falls in elderly patients. CASE DESCRIPTION: An 86-year-old woman presented with functional decline and gait problems. She had been falling regularly. The patient's gait was ataxic and sh... (Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated))
Source: SafetyLit: All (Unduplicated) - January 12, 2013 Category: Global & Universal Tags: Age: Elder Adults Source Type: news

Review: Vitamin B12 deficiency
Source: N Engl J Med Area: News This review on vitamin B12 deficiency begins with a case vignette followed by a discussion of the following topics and ends with the author's clinical recommendations on the management of the case in hand: . Pathophysiology of vitamin B12 deficiency . Causes of vitamin B12 deficiency . Evaluation . Tests to determine the cause of vitamin B12 deficiency . Treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency . Areas of uncertainty . Guidelines (Source: NeLM - News)
Source: NeLM - News - January 10, 2013 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: news

Vitamin B12 Deficiency
New England Journal of Medicine, Volume 368, Issue 2, Page 149-160, January 2013. (Source: New England Journal of Medicine)
Source: New England Journal of Medicine - January 9, 2013 Category: Internal Medicine Tags: article Source Type: research

Re: ‘Vitamin D Deficiency and PAD: A Close and Often Overlooked Relationship’ Vitamins and Homocysteine Metabolism
We reported that in PAD patients successfully treated for hyperhomocysteinemia, Nɛ–Hcy–Lys is still associated with disease progression and higher risk of adverse cardiovascular events. Moreover, high intake of vitamins C and E and carotenes is associated with lower tHcy. (Source: European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery)
Source: European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery - January 9, 2013 Category: Surgery Authors: P. Mazur, A. Undas Tags: Correspondence Source Type: research

Significant reduction of serum homocysteine level and oral symptoms after different vitamin‐supplement treatments in patients with burning mouth syndrome
ConclusionSpecific supplementations with vitamin BC capsules plus none or corresponding deficient vitamin B12 and/or folic acid can reduce the abnormally high serum homocysteine levels to normal levels in BMS patients without or with deficiencies of corresponding hematinics. (Source: Journal of Oral Pathology and Medicine)
Source: Journal of Oral Pathology and Medicine - January 9, 2013 Category: Pathology Authors: Andy Sun, Hung‐Pin Lin, Yi‐Ping Wang, Hsin‐Ming Chen, Shih‐Jung Cheng, Chun‐Pin Chiang Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Plasma total homocysteine status of vegetarians compared with omnivores: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Abstract There is strong evidence indicating that elevated plasma total homocysteine (tHcy) levels are a major independent biomarker and/or a contributor to chronic conditions, such as CVD. A deficiency of vitamin B12 can elevate homocysteine. Vegetarians are a group of the population who are potentially at greater risk of vitamin B12 deficiency than omnivores. This is the first systematic review and meta-analysis to appraise a range of studies that compared the homocysteine and vitamin B12 levels of vegetarians and omnivores. The search methods employed identified 443 entries, from which, by screening using set in...
Source: The British Journal of Nutrition - January 8, 2013 Category: Nutrition Authors: Obersby D, Chappell DC, Dunnett A, Tsiami AA Tags: Br J Nutr Source Type: research

Vitamin D Deficiency and PAD: A Close and Often Overlooked Relationship
I read with great interest the recent article by Mazur et al. A number of vitamin deficiencies besides vitamin B12 deficiency may contribute to PAD. Vitamin D deficiency is an independent risk factor for the development and progression of PAD. Individuals with lower serum vitamin D are more prone to develop PAD. Similarly, one third of the increased risk of PAD in Afro-American populations in comparison to Caucasian populations is explained by the lower vitamin D status observed in Afro-American populations. Not surprisingly, secondary hyperparathyroidism is relatively more common in patients with PAD. Higher amputation ...
Source: European Journal of Vascular and Endovascular Surgery - January 2, 2013 Category: Surgery Authors: S. Kapoor Tags: Correspondence Source Type: research

How prevalent is vitamin B12 deficiency among vegetarians?
Vegetarians are at risk for vitamin B12 (B12) deficiency due to suboptimal intake. The goal of the present literature review was to assess the rate of B12 depletion and deficiency among vegetarians and vegans. Using a PubMed search to identify relevant publications, 18 articles were found that reported B12 deficiency rates from studies that identified deficiency by measuring methylmalonic acid, holo‐transcobalamin II, or both. The deficiency rates reported for specific populations were as follows: 62% among pregnant women, between 25% and almost 86% among children, 21–41% among adolescents, and 11–90% among the elder...
Source: Nutrition Reviews - January 1, 2013 Category: Nutrition Authors: Roman Pawlak, Scott James Parrott, Sudha Raj, Diana Cullum‐Dugan, Debbie Lucus Tags: Special Article Source Type: research

Undetected vitamin B12 deficiency due to false normal assay results.
PMID: 23356970 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Blood Transfusion)
Source: Blood Transfusion - December 21, 2012 Category: Hematology Authors: Scarpa E, Candiotto L, Sartori R, Radossi P, Maschio N, Tagariello G Tags: Blood Transfus Source Type: research

Laboratory Evaluation for Vitamin B12 Deficiency: The Case for Cascade Testing.
ConclusionsCurrently, only a small minority of patients initiated on intramuscular vitamin B(12) supplementation derive any meaningful clinical benefit. Furthermore, current testing recommendations for vitamin B(12) deficiency are usually not followed. Up-front ordering of a diagnostic testing cascade is recommended to improve compliance; an example is presented with decision points chosen to improve specificity for clinically evident vitamin B(12) deficiency without loss of sensitivity. Ultimately, a better understanding of vitamin B(12) physiology is needed to develop and evaluate laboratory tests that more accurately re...
Source: Clinical Medicine and Research - December 21, 2012 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Berg RL, Shaw GR Tags: Clin Med Res Source Type: research

Prevalence of vitamin B12 depletion and deficiency in Liechtenstein.
CONCLUSIONS: B12 depletion and deficiency are common in Liechtenstein, a Central European country. The measurement of biochemical markers represents a cost-efficient and valid assessment of the B12 state. When a deficiency of B12 is diagnosed at an early stage, many cases can be treated or prevented, with beneficial effects on individual outcomes and subsequent potential reductions in health-care costs. PMID: 23237337 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Public Health Nutrition)
Source: Public Health Nutrition - December 14, 2012 Category: Global & Universal Authors: Koenig V, Stanga Z, Zerlauth M, Bernasconi L, Risch M, Huber A, Risch L Tags: Public Health Nutr Source Type: research

Serum levels of vitamin B12 are not related to low bone mineral density in postmenopausal Brazilian women
CONCLUSION: The results indicate that vitamin B12 serum levels are not related to bone mineral density in this group of Brazilian postmenopausal women. (Source: Revista Brasileira de Reumatologia)
Source: Revista Brasileira de Reumatologia - December 10, 2012 Category: Rheumatology Source Type: research

Menopause and age-driven changes in blood level of fat- and water-soluble vitamins.
Conclusions Vitamin A should be supplemented in postmenopausal women to decrease the risk of bone fracture. The daily diet should be supplemented with vitamin B12, to avoid possible neurological symptoms due to vitamin B12 deficiency, and with vitamin D to decrease the risk of developing secondary hyperparathyroidism. Due to an adverse influence on serum vitamin concentration, body mass index should be monitored in pre- and postmenopausal women. PMID: 23215463 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: Climacteric)
Source: Climacteric - December 10, 2012 Category: Geriatrics Authors: Wiacek M, Zubrzycki IZ, Bojke O, Kim HJ Tags: Climacteric Source Type: research

Nitrous oxide toxicity: technical and therapeutic aspects
We read the article by Hsu et al with great interest, and we would like to highlight certain information related to technical aspects, surrogate markers of vitamin B12 deficiency, and therapeutic aspects. The nitrous oxide (N2O) causes inactivation of vitamin B12 by the oxidation of Cob (I) alamin to Cob (III) alamin, which results in functional vitamin B12 deficiency. The neurologic manifestations occur following N2O abuse depends on vitamin B12 reserve . If the patients have adequate B12 store, symptoms develop after prolonged and/or repeated exposure. On the contrary, the patients with marginal B12 store or having risk ...
Source: The American Journal of Emergency Medicine - December 7, 2012 Category: Emergency Medicine Authors: Subramanian Senthilkumaran, Namasivayam Balamurugan, Ritesh G. Menezes, Ponniah Thirumalaikolundusubramanian Tags: Correspondence Source Type: research

Association between Low Red Blood Cell 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate and Hyperhomocysteinaemia with Hypertension: A Cross-Sectional Study
Conclusions: The association between hypertension and low RBC 5-MTHF was stronger than any other components of the homocysteine re-methylation pathway. Results from this study suggest that folate measurements in RBC seem to be the most reliable marker indicating 5-MTHF deficiency and disturbances in the Hcy re-methylation pathway in association with hypertension. Received for publication 17 October 2012; accepted for publication 12 November 2012. (Source: High Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Prevention)
Source: High Blood Pressure and Cardiovascular Prevention - December 1, 2012 Category: Cardiology Tags: Original Research Articles Source Type: research

Anemia in the elderly: usefulness of an easy and comprehensive laboratory screen.
Abstract Anemia, the most common hematological disorder in the elderly, increases the risk of mortality and morbidity and adversely affects quality of life. However, few studies focused specifically on anemia in the elderly, especially regarding the underlying causes. The main objective of this prospective study was to evaluate the causes of anemia in non-institutionalized elderly patients. We included 190 consecutive patients ≥70 years, admitted to a geriatric short-stay unit over a 1-year period. When the hemoglobin level was <120 g/L, the following serum assays were performed routinely: iron, ferritin, tra...
Source: Annales de Biologie Clinique - December 1, 2012 Category: Biochemistry Authors: Pautas E, Siguret V, Kim TM, Chaïbi P, Golmard JL, Gouronnec A, Nivet-Antoine V, Gouin-Thibault I Tags: Ann Biol Clin (Paris) Source Type: research

Review of autoimmune metaplastic atrophic gastritis
Autoimmune metaplastic atrophic gastritis (AMAG) is most commonly associated with pernicious anemia. It is the immune-mediated destruction of gastric parietal cells that leads to long-term hematologic consequences. Pernicious anemia is a late manifestation of AMAG. The endoscopic and histologic findings of complete atrophy of the stomach body and fundus are well recognized in standard clinical practice; however, the changes in early AMAG with associated hematologic parameters have only been described within the past 2 decades. The diagnosis of AMAG can profoundly affect clinical management by preventing pernicious anemia a...
Source: Gastrointestinal Endoscopy - November 29, 2012 Category: Gastroenterology Authors: Jason Y. Park, Dora Lam-Himlin, Roopa Vemulapalli Tags: Pathology Article Source Type: research

Vitamin B12 deficiency associated with concomitant metformin and proton pump inhibitor use.
PMID: 23173145 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Diabetes Care)
Source: Diabetes Care - November 27, 2012 Category: Endocrinology Authors: Long AN, Atwell CL, Yoo W, Solomon SS Tags: Diabetes Care Source Type: research

Folate & B12 Deficiency Linked To Some Depression Subtypes
A low intake of folate and vitamin B12 is linked to a greater risk of melancholic depressive symptoms. Folate is a water soluble vitamin that helps produce chemicals that control brain functions, such as sleep, mood, and appetite, and can be found in foods like green vegetables. Vitamin B12 is also a water soluble vitamin and it plays a crucial role in the function of the brain, nervous system, and formation of red blood cells. The finding came from a study that analyzed nearly 3,000 middle-aged and elderly people from Finland... (Source: Health News from Medical News Today)
Source: Health News from Medical News Today - November 27, 2012 Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Depression Source Type: news

Combined cobalamin and iron deficiency anemia: a diagnostic approach using a model based on age and homocysteine assessment
The objective of this work was to investigate the degree of overlap between iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and cobalamin deficiency and to develop a predictive model for differentiating IDA from combined deficiency. A prospective case and control study was carried out to investigate vitamin B12 and folate status in iron deficiency anemia. A total of 658 patients were recruited, 41 of whom (6.2 %) were excluded. The remaining 617 subjects consisted of 130 controls and 487 with IDA. Low vitamin B12 (LB12) was considered when serum vitamin B12 was ≤200 pmol/L. High serum homocysteine (Hcy) was defined by Hcy >...
Source: Annals of Hematology - November 27, 2012 Category: Hematology Tags: Annals of Hematology Source Type: research

Utility and limitations of biochemical markers of vitamin B12 deficiency
DiscussionB12 testing should start with holotranscobalamin measurement. Holotranscobalamin between 23‐75 pmol/L should be followed by methylmalonic acid testing that can filter substantial number of deficient cases in the gray range in individuals with normal renal function. This diagnostic strategy may significantly improve assessing vitamin B12 deficiency. (Source: European Journal of Clinical Investigation)
Source: European Journal of Clinical Investigation - November 27, 2012 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Wolfgang Herrmann, Rima Obeid Tags: Original Paper Source Type: research

Retrospective study finds concomitant use of metformin and PPI may lead to vitamin B12 deficiency
Source: Diabetes Care Area: News This short 'observation' article published in Diabetes Care describes the findings of a single-centre retrospective chart review conducted to evaluate the effect of concomitant use of metformin and proton pump inhibitors (PPI) on the incidence of vitamin B12 deficiency. Each of these medicines has been independently implicated in decreasing levels of vitamin B12. The study included 614 patients with type 2 diabetes who had recorded vitamin B12 levels available. Those aged over 60 years were excluded, as were those who were on a vegetarian diet, who had been diagnosed with ...
Source: NeLM - News - November 26, 2012 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Source Type: news

Serum homocysteine and folate but not vitamin B12 are predictors of CHD mortality in older adults
Conclusion: Serum tHcy and folate were independent predictors of CHD and all-cause mortality, while vitamin B12 was not associated. As raised tHcy levels and folate deficiency are associated with poorer lifestyle, changes to a more healthful lifestyle among older adults may minimize the adverse vascular effects of elevated tHcy. (Source: European Journal of Preventive Cardiology)
Source: European Journal of Preventive Cardiology - November 21, 2012 Category: Cardiology Authors: Gopinath, B., Flood, V. M., Rochtchina, E., Thiagalingam, A., Mitchell, P. Tags: Original scientific papers Source Type: research

Abstract 650: Folic Acid and Vitamin B12 Deficiencies are Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors Which Can Be Prevented by the Recruitment of the Wnt10b Signaling Pathway [Poster Session III]
Conclusion: These novel results demonstrate that increased levels of both folic acid and vitamin B12 attenuate adiposity via significant increases in Wnt10b and related proteins. Folic acid and vitamin B12 supplementation is deemed viable in the prevention and treatment of obesity and obesity-associated diseases. (Source: Hypertension)
Source: Hypertension - November 20, 2012 Category: Cardiology Authors: Schroeder, A., Kim, D., Maheshwari, M., Sodhi, K., Drummond, G., Abraham, N. G. Tags: Poster Session III Source Type: research

Vitamin B12 absorption: Mammalian physiology and acquired and inherited disorders.
Abstract BACKGROUND: Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is a cobalt-containing compound synthesized by bacteria and an essential nutrient in mammals, which take it up from diet. The absorption and distribution of dietary vitamin B12 to the organism is a complex process involving several gene products including carrier proteins, plasma membrane receptors and transporters. Disturbed cellular entry, transit or egress of vitamin B12 may lead to low vitamin B12 status or deficiency and eventually hematological and neurological disorders. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this review is to summarize the causes leading to vitamin B12 deficiency...
Source: Biochimie - November 20, 2012 Category: Biochemistry Authors: Kozyraki R, Cases O Tags: Biochimie Source Type: research

Anemia reversed
(NaturalNews)Anemia is a symptom caused by a myriad of conditions. These conditions include iron deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency, vitamin C deficiency, Vitamin E deficiency, vitamin B6 deficiency, and thyroid disorders, for openers. Since the most significant and common forms... (Source: NaturalNews.com)
Source: NaturalNews.com - November 14, 2012 Category: Consumer Health Advice Source Type: news

Is chronic levodopa therapy associated with distal symmetric polyneuropathy in Parkinson's disease?
Two recent studies reporting a high (38–55%) prevalence of peripheral neuropathy in Parkinson's disease (PD) patients have generated controversy . The authors postulated this to be a complication of levodopa treatment, which may precipitate elevations in plasma homocysteine and methylmalonic acid (MMA) and vitamin B12 deficiency. (Source: Parkinsonism and Related Disorders)
Source: Parkinsonism and Related Disorders - November 12, 2012 Category: Neurology Authors: Nortina Shahrizaila, Ummi Affah Mahamad, Ann-Chee Yap, Yeun-Mun Choo, Connie Marras, Shen-Yang Lim Tags: Letters to the Editor Source Type: research

Long-term follow-up of a large series of patients with type 1 gastric carcinoid tumors. Data from a multicenter study.
CONCLUSIONS: Most GCs-1 are grade 1 (82.72%) tumors presenting with stage I (73.87%) disease with no mortality after prolonged follow-up. Ocreoscan did not provide further information compared to conventional imaging techniques. Treatment with SSAs proved to be effective for the duration of administration. PMID: 23132699 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: European Journal of Endocrinology)
Source: European Journal of Endocrinology - November 6, 2012 Category: Endocrinology Authors: Thomas D, Tsolakis AV, Grozinsky-Glasberg S, Frankel M, Alexandraki KI, Sougioultzis S, Gross D, Kaltsas G Tags: Eur J Endocrinol Source Type: research

Evaluation of Vitamin B12 Monitoring in a Veteran Population on Long-Term, High-Dose Metformin Therapy (November).
CONCLUSIONS:Vitamin B(12) was not routinely monitored in patients on high-dose metformin, even in those at highest risk (≥10 years of therapy), or in those with potential manifestations of vitamin B(12) deficiency (neuropathy). Cases of vitamin B(12) deficiency and resulting anemia or neuropathy may be undiagnosed and untreated because of lack of monitoring. Prospective studies examining the effect of increased vitamin B(12) monitoring on identification and treatment of vitamin B(12) deficiency in patients on metformin are warranted. PMID: 23115224 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher] (Source: The Annals of Pharmacotherapy)
Source: The Annals of Pharmacotherapy - October 31, 2012 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Pierce SA, Chung AH, Black KK Tags: Ann Pharmacother Source Type: research

Vitamin B12 deficiency mimicking NMO spectrum disorder
(Source: Multiple Sclerosis)
Source: Multiple Sclerosis - October 25, 2012 Category: Neurology Authors: Tornes, L., Ortega, M. R., Delgado, S., Rammohan, K. W. Tags: Letters to the Editor Source Type: research

Significant reduction of homocysteine level with multiple B vitamins in atrophic glossitis patients
ConclusionSupplementations with vitamin BC capsules plus corresponding deficient hematinics or with vitamin BC capsules only can reduce the high serum homocysteine levels to significantly lower levels in AG patients.© 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S (Source: Oral Diseases)
Source: Oral Diseases - October 18, 2012 Category: ENT & OMF Authors: Andy Sun, Yi‐Ping Wang, Hung‐Pin Lin, Hsin‐Ming Chen, Shih‐Jung Cheng, Chun‐Pin Chiang Tags: Original Manuscript Source Type: research

Is there a link between vitamin B12 deficiency and cognitive decline in the elderly?
Aging Health , October 2012, Vol. 8, No. 5, Pages 441-443. (Source: Future Medicine: Aging Health)
Source: Future Medicine: Aging Health - October 15, 2012 Category: Geriatrics Tags: article Source Type: research

Baseline investigations of folate status in Aboriginal and non‐Aboriginal West Australians prior to the introduction of mandatory fortification
Conclusions and implicationsThis study established a baseline of RBC folate, folate consumption and supplement use in Aboriginal and non‐Aboriginal groups. We identified 10% of Aboriginal women and none of non‐Aboriginal women participants with low folate concentrations. The higher prevalence of folate deficiency in Aboriginal participants suggests they are more likely to benefit from a universal program of folate fortification. (Source: The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology)
Source: The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology - October 10, 2012 Category: OBGYN Authors: Susannah J. Maxwell, Kate J. Brameld, Caroline Bower, Heather D'Antoine, Siobhan Hickling, Julia Marley, Peter O'Leary Tags: Original Article Source Type: research

Obesity Epidemic Means Bariatric Surgery Rates Continue to Rise, Reports Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill., Oct. 1, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- With rising rates of morbid obesity, the number of bariatric surgery procedures is likely to increase as well, reports a paper in the October issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery(r), the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Because of their role in dealing with aesthetic problems after massive weight loss, plastic surgeons must understand the principles and expected benefits of bariatric surgery procedures--as well as the characteristics and potential medical risks of patients undergoing these procedures, according t...
Source: Medical News (via PRIMEZONE) - October 1, 2012 Category: Pharmaceuticals Source Type: news

Disordered eating among adolescent female swimmers: Dietary, biochemical, and body composition factors
Conclusion: DE-positive compared with DE-negative athletes presented a higher percentage of body fat and fat mass, lower protein consumption in the 11- to 14-y-old group, and lower calcium intake adequacy in the 15- to 19-y-old group. Greater attention should be given to the nutritional state of these athletes, considering the number of adolescents with anemia and an inadequate dietary intake. (Source: Nutrition)
Source: Nutrition - October 1, 2012 Category: Nutrition Authors: Natália Ferreira da Costa, Annie Schtscherbyna, Eliane Abreu Soares, Beatriz Gonçalves Ribeiro Tags: Applied Nutritional Investigations Source Type: research

Metformin: Vitamin B12 deficiency: case report
(Source: Reactions)
Source: Reactions - September 30, 2012 Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Tags: Short communication Source Type: research

Recurrent Jaundice in an Otherwise Healthy Male
A 41-year-old Asian-Indian male presented with recurrent episodes of jaundice over the past six months. Physical examination was normal, barring mild icterus. Laboratory parameters revealed indirect hyperbilirubinemia. Further evaluation yielded a diagnosis of severe nutritional vitamin B12 deficiency. Indirect hyperbilirubinemia was ascribed to ineffective erythropoiesis. Underlying Gilbert’s syndrome was ruled out by provocative testing with lipid-restricted diet. Presentation of severe vitamin B12 deficiency with isolated hyperbilirubinemia without concomitant major haematologic or neurologic dysfunction is unusual an...
Source: Australasian Medical Journal - AMJ - September 29, 2012 Category: Journals (General) Source Type: research

Serum LDH elevation should not be necessarily attributed to disease activity in patients with thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) is a life threatening clinical syndrome classically characterized by microangiopathic hemolytic anemia, thrombocytopenia, fever, renal dysfunction, and neurological abnormalities . Elevated serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is a characteristic laboratory finding in patients with TTP. It is generally accepted that total serum LDH rises due to the release of LDH from red blood cells as a consequence of intravascular hemolysis, and from a variety of tissues damaged as a result of systemic ischemia . Here, we describe a case with a previous history of TTP who developed LDH elevation su...
Source: Transfusion and Apheresis Science - September 21, 2012 Category: Hematology Authors: Olga Meltem Akay, Vahap Aslan, Zafer Gulbas Tags: Letters to the editor Source Type: research

Subacute combined spinal cord degeneration and pancytopenia secondary to severe vitamin B12 deficiency.
CONCLUSIONS: Vitamin B12 deficiency should be taken into consideration in the differential diagnosis in cases of blood disorders or severe neurological symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment can avoid irreversible consequences. PMID: 22965368 [PubMed - in process] (Source: Sao Paulo Medical Journal)
Source: Sao Paulo Medical Journal - September 20, 2012 Category: Journals (General) Authors: Cabrerizo-García JL, Sebastián-Royo M, Montes N, Zalba-Etayo B Tags: Sao Paulo Med J Source Type: research