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

This study ascertained serum vitamin B-12 levels among patients with Gaucher disease and among healthy Israelis. Serum B-12 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 B-12 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 B-12, We recommend evaluation of B-12 levels among geographically contingent peoples.