Compromised Vitamin B12 Status of Indian Infants and Toddlers

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Vitamin B12 deficiency is prevalent worldwide especially in vegetarian communities. Its deficiency in early childhood may result in serious neurological and cognitive deficits. It is important to know the prevalence among our infants and toddlers so that nutritional policy changes could be suggested in this regard. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the vitamin B12 status of apparently healthy Indian children between 6 and 23 months of age. METHODS: Apparently healthy Indian children (n = 210), of age 6 to 23 months, attending pediatric outpatient department were recruited and samples obtained to evaluate their hemogram and levels of vitamin B12, folate, and ferritin. Data were analyzed to obtain the mean levels and the proportion of participants deficient in vitamin B12. The dietary habits of the children were also analyzed and correlated with their vitamin B12 status. RESULTS: Vitamin B12 deficiency was observed in 37.6% of the participants. CONCLUSIONS: There is a high prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in our infants and toddlers, and there is need to initiate supplement to prevent any possible neurological consequences. Early initiation of animal milk had a positive effect on the vitamin B12 status of the child, though it was not significant.