Vitamin B(12) 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)

This study was designed to measure the prevalence of vitamin B(12) 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 B(12), 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/m(2), respectively. About three-quarters of the study sample had normal vitamin B(12) levels, while the rest had vitamin B(12) deficiency. Meanwhile, a significant negative association (r = −0.201, P = .048) was found between abdominal fat and serum vitamin B(12) levels. This study concluded that the young adult females’ population from Makkah City is among the risk groups for vitamin B(12) 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.