Serum folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin D, and homocysteine levels in Iranian children with vitiligo

Hyperhomocysteinemia and vitamin D deficiency may be involved in the pathogenesis of vitiligo. This study compared the serum levels of vitamin D, homocysteine, vitamin B12, and folic acid between vitiligo-affected children and healthy children.

Using a case-control design, 30 children with vitiligo and 30 age and sex-matched healthy children were enrolled from April 2018 to August 2020. Serum levels of vitamin D, homocysteine, vitamin B12, and folic acid were analyzed in both groups during the same season of the year. Additionally, the association between serum levels of these factors with demographic and clinical features of the children (collected by interview and physical examination) was evaluated. Data were analyzed using the independent T-test, Fisher’s exact test, and chi-squared test.

The vitiligo group had significantly lower vitamin D and folic acid serum levels compared with the control group [95% CI -19.87 to -2.96 and -4.15 to -4.18, respectively]. Among patients, the vitamin D level was negatively correlated with age (r = -0.459, P = 0.011) and disease duration (r = -0.373, P = 0.042). Moreover, there was a significant association between vitiligo activity and serum homocysteine levels (P = 0.027).

Routine measurement of vitamin D and folic acid serum levels might be suggested, especially in children with long-standing disease. Monitoring the homocysteine level may be beneficial, particularly in children with progressive vitiligo.