Vitamin B12 and hepatic enzyme serum levels correlate in male alcohol-dependent patients

Vitamin B12 serum levels and markers for alcohol consumption were determined in 80 male alcohol-dependent patients. Spearman correlation coefficients (r(S)) were calculated. Significant positive correlations between vitamin B12 and hepatic enzyme values were found (gamma-glutamyltransferase: r(S) = 0.58; alanine aminotransferase: r(S) = 0.43; aspartate aminotransferase: r(S) = 0.47; glutamate dehydrogenase: r(S) = 0.43; all P < 0.001). Therefore, for a proper interpretation of vitamin B12 levels, it may be clinically relevant to take markers of hepatocellular damage into account.