Rekindling the role of plasma Vitamin B12 levels in individuals with and without oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs): An observational study.

BACKGROUND

Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin involved in the metabolism of every cell of the human body especially affecting DNA synthesis, fatty acid and amino acid metabolism. Deficiency of this vitamin is usually associated with megaloblastic anaemia, neuropathies or pernicious anaemia. The deficiency most often goes unrecognized because the clinical manifestations are highly variable, often subtle and non-specific. The study of plasma Vitamin B12 levels in oral potentially malignant disorders (OPMDs), when observed may assist in early detection and prevention of these lesions. Hence the present study was conducted to assess and compare the plasma Vitamin B12 levels in individuals with and without oral potentially malignant disorders.

AIM: To assess and compare the plasma Vitamin B12 levels in individuals with no oral lesions and individuals with oral potentially malignant disorders.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Systemically healthy individuals in the age group of 30 years-60 years of either gender with no oral lesions and those clinically diagnosed with oral potentially malignant disorders were selected for the study and grouped as Group A (30 individuals with no oral lesions) and Group B (30 individuals clinically diagnosed OPMDs). Plasma Vitamin B12 levels were assessed using Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay.

RESULTS

The Vitamin B12 levels in Group A ranged between 224 and 913, while that in Group B ranged between 90 and 299; clearly indicating a decrease in the levels of Vitamin B12 in individuals with OPMDs.

CONCLUSION

Plasma Vitamin B12 in individuals with oral potentially malignant disorders were decreased as compared to individuals with no oral lesions.