Serum Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid in Vitiligo Patients: A Case Control Study

Background: Vitiligo is an autoimmune disease characterized by the destruction of melanocytes by immune mechanisms. The role of vitamin B12 and folate in melanin synthesis has been well recognized. Aim of the study: To evaluate the serum levels of vitamin B12 and folate in Libyan patients with vitiligo vulgaris. Patients and Methods: Blood samples for haemoglobin (Hb) level, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), serum levels of Vitamin B12 and folate were obtained from 50 patients with vitiligo vulgaris and 50 age and sex-matched healthy controls at Dermatology Department of Eljumhoria Hospital in Benghazi, Libya. Results: 50 patients with vitiligo vulgaris, with mean of age 34±6 years, 34% had active disease. Blood Hb level was non-significantly lower in 26% vitiligo patients as compared to 16% control subjects (P=0.064). A significant difference was observed regarding the MCV level which was lower in vitiligo patients in comparison to that of control subjects (P=0.03). 38% of vitiligo patients have microcytic anemia (P=0.142). None of the patients has macrocytic anemia. Female patients were found to have significantly lower Hb and lower MCV than males (P=.000). Serum vitamin B12 and folate were lower in patients than control subjects and this difference was statistically significant (P=.05, P=0.001). There was no significant correlation between serum levels of vitamin B12 and folate with sex, age, family history, duration and activity of the disease ( P >0.05). Conclusions: Decreased levels of serum vitamin B12 and folate are significantly prevalent in vitiligo patients, and screening vitiligo patients for vitamin B12 and folate deficiency may be warranted.