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Vitamin B12 and homocysteine status in asymptomatic Indian toddlers

N M Hanumante1, R S Wadia, S S Deshpande

  • 1Poona Medical Foundation Research Center, Ruby Hall Clinic, National AIDS Research Institute, Pune, India.

Indian Journal of Pediatrics
|August 22, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Vitamin B12 deficiency and high homocysteine levels were found in 14% of Indian toddlers. These vitamin B12 (V B(12)) and homocysteine issues in early childhood may indicate future cardiovascular risk.

Area of Science:

  • Nutritional biochemistry
  • Pediatric health
  • Cardiovascular risk factors

Background:

  • Low serum vitamin B12 (V B(12)) and hyperhomocysteinemia are documented in asymptomatic Asian Indian men.
  • These conditions may represent early indicators of adult cardiovascular risk.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency and hyperhomocysteinemia in asymptomatic Indian toddlers.
  • To explore potential early-life programming of cardiovascular risk via the homocysteine axis.

Main Methods:

  • Cross-sectional study of 51 asymptomatic toddlers in Pune, India.
  • Measurement of serum vitamin B12 levels.
  • Quantification of total serum homocysteine levels.

Main Results:

  • 14% of toddlers exhibited low serum vitamin B12 levels and high total serum homocysteine.
  • Homocysteine levels were significantly higher in male toddlers compared to females.
  • The findings suggest a potential link between early nutritional status and later cardiovascular health.

Conclusions:

  • Vitamin B12 deficiency and hyperhomocysteinemia are prevalent in young Indian children.
  • These metabolic alterations in early childhood may be critical determinants of adult cardiovascular risk.
  • Intervention strategies targeting homocysteine metabolism in toddlers could mitigate future cardiovascular disease.

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