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Faculty of Health Sciences
School of Medicine
Department of Haematology
HIV to B12 or not to B12
Vitamin B12 is a cobalt containing corrinoid and can only be synthesised by micro-organisms. The main source of this vitamin is animal and to a lesser extent dairy products as a result of bacterial contamination. Absorption of vitamin B12 takes place in the ileum after binding to intrinsic factor and has a long biological half life due to the fact that it can be reabsorbed from bile. Studies have shown that 10% - 35% of HIV positive patients can present with a low vitamin B12 levels. HIV and vitamin B12 deficiency have overlapping signs and symptoms which might result in vitamin B12 deficiency being missed in HIV positive patients. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency at the Anti-Retro Viral (ARV) Clinic based at Tshwane District Hospital and to evaluate if the full blood count can assist with the diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency.
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