Abstract
BACKGROUND: Vitamin B(12) 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 B(12) 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 B(12) levels in individuals with and without oral potentially malignant disorders. AIM: To assess and compare the plasma Vitamin B(12) 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 B(12) levels were assessed using Electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. RESULTS: The Vitamin B(12) 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 B(12) in individuals with OPMDs. CONCLUSION: Plasma Vitamin B(12) in individuals with oral potentially malignant disorders were decreased as compared to individuals with no oral lesions.