CORRELATION BETWEEN SERUM VITAMIN B12 LEVELS AND DISEASE SEVERITY IN WOMEN WITH MELASMA AT CAN THO UNIVERSITY OF MEDICINE AND PHARMACY HOSPITAL
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Abstract
Background: Melasma is a common benign hyperpigmentation disorder that significantly impacts aesthetics and quality of life, particularly in women. Certain micronutrients, including vitamin B12, are suggested to be associated with its pathogenesis and clinical severity. Objectives: To determine serum vitamin B12 levels and evaluate the correlation between vitamin B12 concentration and disease severity in women with melasma at Can Tho University of Medicine and Pharmacy Hospital. Materials and methods: A comparative analytical study was conducted from July 2025 to March 2026 on 60 subjects, consisting of 30 patients with melasma and 30 healthy controls. Serum vitamin B12 concentrations were quantified and analyzed for their correlation with melasma severity using the Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI). Results: Serum vitamin B12 levels in the melasma group were lower than those in the control group (579.87 ± 182.09 pg/mL versus 694.80 ± 243.89 pg/mL, p = 0.043). A strong negative correlation was observed between serum vitamin B12 concentration and MASI scores (Spearman’s rs = -0.712; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Serum vitamin B12 levels are lower in women with melasma compared to healthy individuals and exhibit a significant inverse correlation with disease severity as measured by the MASI score. Further studies are required to confirm this association.
Keywords
Melasma, Vitamin B12, MASI
Article Details
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References
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