High frequency of low serum levels of vitamin B [12] among patients attending Jordan University Hospital

This study aimed to estimate the status of serum vitamin B 12 level in patients attending Jordan University Hospital in Amman, and to examine the relationship with demographic data, chronic illness, dietary habits, haematological parameters and symptoms related to vitamin B 12 levels.A total of 838 patients completed a questionnaire and gave blood samples; 44.6% were vitamin B 12 deficient (< 180 pg/mL) and 34.2% had hypovitaminosis (180-300 pg/mL).Vitamin B 12 deficiency was associated with memory impairment, low meat intake and strict vegetarian (vegan) diets.The high frequency of low vitamin B 12 warrants the development of a strategy to correct this problem in Jordan.