An investigation of the relationship between vitamin B12 deficiency and HIV infection.

The symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency and several symptoms common to HIV infection overlap. Additionally, persons with HIV infection have frequently been found to have vitamin B12 deficiency. Therefore, the issue of concern is the prevalence of B12 deficiency in HIV-infected persons. A retrospective study of 63 medical records in a midwestern urban veterans affairs medical center provided the data for this study. Data were collected and analyzed for relationships among B12 levels, certain hematologic components, medications, symptomatology, and immune status. A chi-square goodness-of-fit test demonstrated a significant prevalence of B12 deficiency among persons with HIV disease, and chi-square two-way tables demonstrated significant relationships between B12 deficiency and weight loss and diarrhea. Prevalence of B12 deficiency in persons with HIV infection has been shown to be significant, indicating that B12 deficiency screening in persons with HIV infection may need be done to aid the health care provider in planning the best possible care. Further research is needed to corroborate these findings.