Vitamin B12 status and its association with Helicobacter pylori infection in alcohol dependent patients.

Both infection with Helicobacter pylori and alcohol abuse have been associated with low vitamin B12 serum levels. The interaction between both risk factors is unknown. The aim of this study was to determine whether Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with low vitamin B12 levels in alcohol dependent patients. Blood samples were obtained from adult alcohol dependent patients undergoing detoxification and analyzed for serum vitamin B12 levels. Helicobacter pylori infection was serologically measured. Patient characteristics, medication use and alcohol consumption at admission were assessed by interview. A total of 6 out of 89 patients included presented low vitamin B12 levels, all were sub clinical deficient (<250 pmol/L) and none were clinical deficient (<150 pmol/L). Infection with Helicobacter pylori was present in 29% of the patients. The average vitamin B12 levels in Helicobacter pylori seropositive and seronegative patients were 1,033 pmol/L (SD 741) and 971 pmol/L (SD 717), respectively. The relation between Helicobacter pylori infection and vitamin B12 deficiency was not of significance (OR=0.48; 95% CI [0.05-4.32]). In conclusion, Helicobacter pylori infection is not a risk factor for low vitamin B12 levels in alcohol dependent patients.