ASSOCIATION BETWEEN HELICOBACTER PYLORI INFECTION AND VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY IN DYSPEPTIC PATIENTS: INSIGHTS FROM A LOW-INCOME SETTING

Abstract

This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between Helicobacter pylori infection and vitamin B12 deficiency among 273 dyspeptic patients undergoing endoscopy at a tertiary care center. Gastric biopsy confirmed H. pylori infection, while serum vitamin B12 levels were assessed biochemically. Overall, 61.2% of patients were H. pylori-positive, among whom 70.6% exhibited vitamin B12 deficiency, compared to 29.5% in uninfected individuals (p < 0.05). Socioeconomic status showed a significant association, with deficiency rates of 30% in lower-income groups versus 3.6% in higher-income groups (p = 0.045). These findings indicate that H. pylori infection markedly increases the risk of vitamin B12 malabsorption, particularly in resource-limited populations. Routine screening for B12 deficiency in H. pylori-positive dyspeptic patients, along with integrated nutritional and antimicrobial interventions, is recommended to mitigate deficiency-related complications.