Serum levels of vitamin B12, folic acid, and homocysteine in patients with vitiligo

Abstract

Background and Aim: Vitiligo is a hypopigmentation disorder of the skin that is associated with depression and an impaired quality of life. There has been conflicting reports on the association between the disease and the serum levels of homocysteine, vitamin B12, and folic acid.In this study,serum levels of homocysteine, vitamin B12, and folic acid were evaluated in patients with vitiligo.Methods: Thirty patients with vitiligo and 30 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were recruited. Venous blood samples wereobtained from the study subjects and the levels of homocysteine, vitamin B12, and folic acid were measured. Data were analyzedusing non-parametric statistical tests.Results: No significant differences were found in the levels of serum homocysteine, vitamin B12, and folic acid between vitiligo patients and healthy controls. Moreover, there were no associations between these factors and age, body weight, gender,as well as the extent, duration, and type of vitiligo.Conclusion: It seems that vitiligo is not related to serum levels of homocysteine, vitamin B12, and folic acid.