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Nutritional vitamin B12 deficiency in hospitalized young children

Feyzullah Cetinkaya1, Yildiz Yildirmak, Gunsel Kutluk

  • 1Sisli Etfal Education and Research Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey. feyzulkaya@mynet.com

Pediatric Hematology and Oncology
|November 30, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia is prevalent in exclusively breastfed infants whose mothers have inadequate animal food intake. Early diagnosis and intervention are crucial for affected children and their mothers.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Nutrition Science
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Vitamin B12 deficiency anemia poses a significant health risk to young children.
  • Maternal dietary practices directly influence infant nutritional status.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence and associated factors of vitamin B12 deficiency anemia in young children.
  • To investigate the dietary patterns and maternal vitamin B12 levels in affected children.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective analysis of 20 young children diagnosed with vitamin B12 deficiency anemia.
  • Diagnosis confirmed through clinical findings, peripheral blood smears, bone marrow aspirates, and serum vitamin B12 levels.
  • Maternal serum vitamin B12 levels were also assessed.

Main Results:

  • All studied children were exclusively breastfed without animal food supplementation.
  • Low serum vitamin B12 levels were observed in both the children and their mothers.
  • Dietary patterns revealed inadequate consumption of animal-based foods by mothers.

Conclusions:

  • Exclusive breastfeeding without adequate maternal animal food intake is a risk factor for vitamin B12 deficiency anemia in infants.
  • Vitamin B12 deficiency is a significant public health concern in populations with limited animal food consumption.
  • Screening and nutritional guidance for breastfeeding mothers are recommended.

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