Vitamin B12 status, homocysteine and mortality amongst community-dwelling Irish elders.

BACKGROUND

Vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with hyperhomocysteinaemia, which is associated with atherosclerosis and increased mortality. High levels of vitamin B12 have also been associated with increased mortality in certain patient populations.

AIMS: We examined vitamin B12 and homocysteine status and mortality rates in a population of Irish community-dwelling elders over a 3-year period.

METHODS

Prospective, community-based observational cohort study.

RESULTS

Subjects in the highest quartile of homocysteine had increased mortality rates (14.68 vs. 7.32%, relative risk 2.09). This relationship was attenuated when controlled for the presence or absence of a history of stroke or myocardial infarction. There was no relationship between vitamin B12 status and mortality during the observation period.

CONCLUSION

Vitamin B12 levels are not associated with death rates in Irish community-dwelling elders. Homocysteine levels are associated with mortality and may act via the mechanism of atherosclerotic disease.