Vitamin B12 Deficiency Prevalent Among HIV-Positive Adults in Uganda

Strategic Insights -

A new report from researchers at Kampala International University in Uganda reveals that vitamin B12 deficiency is a common comorbidity among HIV-infected individuals, contributing to anemia, neurological impairment, and poor immune recovery. The study, conducted at Kayunga Regional Referral Hospital, found that vitamin B12 deficiency was prevalent among HIV-positive adults in Uganda, with a significant inverse correlation with CD4 count. Routine screening and nutritional interventions are recommended, especially for high-risk groups.

Key Takeaways:

  • Vitamin B12 deficiency is a common comorbidity among HIV-infected individuals, contributing to anemia, neurological impairment, and poor immune recovery.
  • The study found that 34.6% of HIV-positive adults at Kayunga Regional Referral Hospital in Uganda had vitamin B12 deficiency.
  • The prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency was higher among women (45.1%) than men (23.1%).
  • Vitamin B12 deficiency was associated with lower CD4 count, with a significant inverse correlation (r = -0.24, p < 0.001).
  • The study recommended routine screening for vitamin B12 deficiency, especially for high-risk groups.
  • Nutritional interventions, such as supplementation, are recommended to address vitamin B12 deficiency.

Statistics:

  • 34.6% of HIV-positive adults at Kayunga Regional Referral Hospital in Uganda had vitamin B12 deficiency.
  • Women were more likely to have vitamin B12 deficiency than men (45.1% vs. 23.1%).
  • Vitamin B12 deficiency was associated with lower CD4 count, with a significant inverse correlation (r = -0.24, p < 0.001).
  • The study included 156 HIV-positive adults at Kayunga Regional Referral Hospital in Uganda.

Sources:

  • "Prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency, associated factors, and correlation with CD4 count among HIV-positive adults at Kayunga Regional Referral Hospital, Central Uganda." AIDS Research and Therapy, 2025,22(1):1-4.
  • https://doi-org.sdpl.idm.oclc.org/10.1186/s12981-025-00791-z
  • Kampala International University
  • Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Medicine and Dentistry, Kampala International University