Association between vitamin B12 and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: a case control study in Katra Jammu

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is currently the most common chronic liver disease in developed countries and obesity contributing maximum to the disease load. A reduction in the energy content of diet, alone, may not prevent NAFLD, nor could alleviate it. Recent studies are bringing to light the association, importance and role of dietary vitamins and liver fat accumulation. Vitamin B12 is involved in the metabolism of every cell of the human body. It is a cofactor in DNA synthesis and in both fatty acid and amino acid metabolism. Still, the influence of vitamin B12 deficiency on NAFLD has not been studied much. Methods: A case control observational study was conducted in the department of medicine, community health center, Katra during the period of August 2018 to July 2019. The study was conducted on 150 NAFLD patients and 50 aged and gender-matched healthy controls. Patients showing ethanol consumption, liver cirrhosis, DM, pancreatitis, renal failure or cancer were excluded. Results: Patients and controls almost matched in all clinical examinations like fever, jaundice, nausea, but vitamin B12 levels were significantly low among cases and stood at 377.60±181.43 pg/ml as against 548.28±285.70 for controls, but still remained within the reference range. Vitamin D levels were also found to be lower among cases. B12 deficiency is extremely common in India with an estimated prevalence of 47% and more males tend to have NAFLD than females. Conclusions: For better management of the disease, vitamin B12 levels should be assessed in all NAFLD patients.