The first eletrocnic Journal of Otolaryngology in the world
ISSN: 1809-9777

E-ISSN: 1809-4864

 
3605 

Year: 2022  Vol. 26   Num. 4  - Oct/Dec - (5º)
DOI: 10.1055/s-0042-1755311
Section: Original Article
 
Relation between Vitamin B12 Levels and Smell Affection in COVID-19 Patients
Author(s):
Osama A. Elsayad, Said Mohammed Abdou
Key words:
COVID-19 - vitamin B12 - olfactory dysfunction
Abstract:

Introduction Olfactory and gustative alterations are frequent in the initial stages of the COVID-19 infection. Vitamin B12 deficiency has been linked to olfactory dysfunction.

Objective The present study aimed to assess the relationship between vitamin B12 levels and smell affection in COVID-19 patients.

Methods The present study included 201 laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 patients. Smell affection was assessed using self-rated olfactory function. Serum vitamin B12 levels were assessed using commercial enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits.

Results According to the smell function assessment, the patients were classified into three categories: normal osmesis (n = 77), hyposmia (n = 49), and anosmia (n = 75) ([Fig. 1]). Four weeks later, 195 patients (97.0%) had their normal smell function restored. The remainder 6 patients included 4 anosmic and 2 hyposmic patients. Patients with hyposmia or anosmia had significantly lower vitamin B12 levels when compared with patients with normal osmesis (median [IQR]: 363.0 [198.0-539.0] versus 337.0 [175.0-467.0] and 491.0 [364.5-584.5] pg/ml, respectively, p < 0.001).

Conclusion Vitamin B12 appears to have some contribution to smell affection in patients with COVID-19 infection.

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