Folate and Vitamin B12 in Morbid Obesity: The Influence of Folate on Anti-Atherogenic Lipid Profile.

Previous studies showed a high prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies in obese subjects, with low folate and vitamin B12 serum levels and intakes. Correlations between vitamins and lipids have been investigated both in animal and human studies. The aim of our study is to evaluate the influence of dietetic and serum levels of folate and vitamin B12 on lipid pattern in morbidly obese subjects. We also analysed the relationship between serum concentrations and dietary intake of these micronutrients, and compared the intakes to the Recommended Levels of Nutrients and Energy Intakes (LARN). In 122 morbidly obese patients, mean BMI 45 ± 7 kg/m, we evaluated anthropometric parameters, hepatic, glyco/lipid profile, total folate and vitamin B12, blood pressure, and finally nutritional intakes in a subgroup of 68 patients using a food frequency questionnaire about the frequency of food consumption and daily water intake. These values were determined in obese patients before and one year after sleeve gastrectomy. Both before and after surgery, levels of vitamins and minerals remained in normal range compared to LARN. According to univariate analysis, at baseline folate showed a significantly positive correlation with high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (p = 0.028, ρ = 0.204), apolipoprotein A-I (p = 0.006, ρ = 0.268) and vitamin B12 (p = 0.040, ρ = 0.192), and a significantly negative correlation with triglycerides (p = 0.049, ρ = -0.184). Folate and vitamin B12 levels do not correlate with their nutritional intakes, which remain within recommended range after surgery. In conclusion the correlation between folate and anti-atherogenic lipid profile is confirmed also in a large group of morbid obese patients.