High prevalence of low serum vitamin B₁₂ in a multi-ethnic Israeli population

This study ascertained serum vitamin B₁₂ levels among patients with Gaucher disease and among healthy Israelis. Serum B₁₂ and metabolites' levels were studied in consecutive adult patients with Gaucher disease not treated with enzyme plus Ashkenazi Jewish neighbour-controls, together with healthy blood-donor volunteers of various ethnicities. Each group showed a high incidence of low serum B₁₂ concentrations, with a 22.3% incidence among Ashkenazi Jews and 40% among patients with Gaucher disease. These findings raise questions on the individual and community levels of serum B₁₂. We recommend evaluation of B₁₂ levels among geographically contingent peoples.