B12 and Folate Concentrations in Opium Addicts Compared to Healthy Subjects: A Case Control Study from Kerman Coronary Artery Disease Risk Study

B ackground: Opium addiction is a global problem which has implicated many societies. Opium addiction and drug abuse is related to harmful consequences which affect life style, biochemical factors, and vitamins values, and also is considered as a risk for heart diseases. Folate and B 12 levels are related to homocysteine and studies about their levels in opium addicts are controversial; therefore, we designed this study to evaluate B 12 and folate values in opium addicts. Methods: From the Kerman Coronary Artery Disease Risk Study (KERCADRS) which is a population-based study, we randomly selected 340 men and entered them into two groups: case (n = 170) and control group (n = 170). Then vitamin B 12 and folate levels were measured. Findings: Opium addiction did not change B 12 and folate levels significantly in opium addicts compared to non-addict control subjects. However, only some variables including blood pressure (BP) and diabetes positively and cigarette smoking, triglyceride (TG), alcohol, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) history negatively affected folate, and none of clinical and demographic variables influenced the B 12 levels (P > 0.050). TG had significant effects on B 12 and folate levels although opium addiction did not show any impact. Conclusion: High TG levels were accompanied by low levels of B 12 and folate. Reduced B 12 and folate values are accompanied by serum homocysteine elevation. As TG elevates in opium addicts, it can be considered as an important factor which affects vitamins levels and reduces their absorption. Opium addiction elevates homocysteine level, since we can conclude that homocysteine elevation in opium addicts is independent of B 12 and folate levels.