Vitamin B12 Deficiency and Gender Dynamics: Insights From A Tertiary Care Hospital Experience.

Abstract

Objective: To assess the clinical manifestations associated with vitamin B12 deficiency and to investigate the variations
in clinical presentation between different genders.
Methodology: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at Department of Medicine, Dow University Hospital,
Ojha Campus, Karachi from February 2025 to July 2025. A total of 134 adults presenting with clinical symptoms suggestive
of vitamin B12 deficiency were consecutively enrolled from the outpatient department. Patients were evaluated
about their medical history and lifestyle habits. Patients were also enquired about their present symptoms and clinically
examined. Vitamin B12 deficiency level was confirmed on serum vitamin B12 levels. SPSS version 26 with a p-value of
0.05 was used for statistical analysis.
Results: Vitamin B12 deficiency was confirmed in 66 (49.3%) patients. Of which 80.3% were male and 19.7% were female
(p = 0.043). The most common clinical symptom was easy fatigability (87.9%), followed by pallor (86.4%), palpitations
(62.1%), glossitis (50.0%), and shortness of breath grade ≥1 (50.0%).
Conclusion: This study concludes that vitamin B12 deficiency presents with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations,
most commonly fatigue, pallor, palpitations, glossitis, and neurological complaints, emphasizing its significant impact on
overall health.

Keywords: Fatigue, glossitis, pallor, palpitations, vitamin B12 deficiency.