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[Severe vitamin B12 deficiency in infants breastfed by vegans]

Casper Roed1, Flemming Skovby, Allan Meldgaard Lund

  • 1Rigshospitalet, Børneafdelingen, Klinisk Genetisk Afdeling, og Hvidovre Hospital, Børneafdelingen, Denmark. casper.roed@rh.regionh.dk

Ugeskrift for Laeger
|October 27, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Strict maternal vegan diets can cause vitamin B12 deficiency in infants, leading to developmental delays and anemia. Early diagnosis and cyanocobalamin therapy are crucial to prevent irreversible neurological damage in infants.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatrics
  • Nutrition Science
  • Neurology

Background:

  • Maternal dietary choices during pregnancy and lactation significantly impact infant health.
  • Vitamin B12 is essential for neurological development and preventing anemia.
  • Strict vegan diets can be deficient in vitamin B12 if not properly supplemented.

Observation:

  • Two infants, a 10-month-old girl and a 12-month-old boy, presented with weight loss and reduced motor skills.
  • Both infants exhibited anemia and delayed development.
  • These symptoms were attributed to vitamin B12 deficiency stemming from the mother's strict vegan diet during pregnancy and nursing.

Findings:

  • Therapy with cyanocobalamin (vitamin B12) was initiated for both infants.
  • The infants showed remission of symptoms following cyanocobalamin treatment.
  • Severe vitamin B12 deficiency in infants poses a risk of irreversible neurological damage.

Implications:

  • Early diagnosis and prompt treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency in infants are critical.
  • Vegan and vegetarian women are advised to supplement with vitamin B12 during pregnancy and nursing.
  • Public health awareness regarding maternal nutrition and infant development is essential.

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