A study of serum vitamin B12 and folate levels in patients of megaloblastic anaemia in northern Pakistan.

Abstract

Vitamin B12 and Folate play akey role inDNA synthesis in the dividing cells of the body. Deficiency of one or both of these results in reduced synthesis of DNA1,2. This leads to megaloblastic anaemia characterised by a characteristic pattern of morphological and functional abnormalities in peripheral blood and bone marrow cells. Interpretation of the serum levels of vitamin B,2 and Folate are difficult due to a wide range in their normal and cut off values in healthy individuals, Serum levels may also vaiy due to food habits and socio-economic conditions. It ‘is, therefore, important to determine the serum levels of these vitamins in particular population before interpreting the results in patients of megaloblastic anaemia. A previous study demonstrated that the levels of both vitamins were lower in local population as compared to other populations. It is therefore expected that levels of vitamin B12 and folic acid may also be different in patients with megaloblastic anaemia in our population.