Prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in exclusively breastfed infants and its association with maternal vitamin B12 stores.

Abstract

Background: Vitamin B12 deficiency during pregnancy and lactation may negatively affect fetal growth, brain development, pregnancy outcome, and breast milk vitamin B12 content.

Objective: To determine the frequency of vitamin B12 deficiency in exclusively breastfed infants.

Subjects & Methods: This cross sectional study was done in the Department of Pediatrics, Civil Hospital Karachi from January 27, 2021 to July 27, 2021 among 193 exclusively breastfed full-term infants from 0-6 months of age of either gender presenting in pediatric outpatient department for immunization services, regular follow-up visit and minor complaints (mild viral illnesses, fever, runny nose, cough, diarrhea) with no danger signs and severe disease requiring resuscitation and urgent referral.

Results: Of 193 infants, the mean maternal vitamin B12 was 192.11 ±53.16 pg/ml. The frequency of maternal vitamin B12 deficiency was 59.6% (n=115). The mean infant vitamin B12 was 202.90 ±49.36 pg/ml. There were 118 (61.1%) infants with vitamin B12 deficiency. A significantly higher proportion of vitamin B12 deficiency was observed among infants with vitamin B12 deficient mothers (p-value 0.004).

Conclusion: The frequency of vitamin B12 deficiency was found to be higher in breastfed infants.