Folate and vitamin B12 deficiencies in relation to cardiovascular disease in elderly thais

Abstract

Thailand’s aging population is leading to the increased prevalence of chronic diseases, especially cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, there have been few update reports on folate and vitamin B12 deficiencies associated with homocysteine (Hcy). Elevated total homocysteine is an important risk factor for CVD. This study aimed to investigate the association of folate, vitamin B12 and CVD in elderly Thai people (over 60 years old). Two-hundred elderly Thais, consisting of 43 male (21.5%) and 157 female (78.5%) subjects participated this study. Serum Hcy, folate, and vitamin B12 levels were determined. High levels of Hcy were found, (Median (Min-Max) = 11.49 (6.63-30.11) μmol/L, cutoff point ≤ 10 μmol/L). However, folate (Median (Min-Max) = 7.20 (1.60-337) ng/mL, cutoff point < 3 ng/mL) and vitamin B12 (Median (Min-Max) = 496.00 (37.30-4,405.00) pg/dL, cutoff point < 200 pg/dL) were within normal values. A significant negative correlation (r) between Hcy and folate (r = -0.154, p-value = 0.033) was evident, but not seen in Hcy and vitamin B12 (r = 0.016, p-value = 0.828). Significantly different levels of Hcy (p-value = 0.003) and folate (p-value = 0.049) were also observed among different age groups (<65 years, 66-75 years, and >75 years). Additionally, males’ CVD risk was four-times higher females, because of lower serum folate levels (OR = 4.30, 95%CI = 1.03-17.93, p-value = 0.031). These results indicate a relationship between CVD, Hcy and folate, but not vitamin B12, among elderly Thais. These findings will be useful for further prevention policies for CVD in elderly Thais.