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Biochemical signs of impaired cobalamin function do not affect hematological parameters in young infants: results

Håvard Bjørke Jenssen1, Ingrid Torsvik, Per Magne Ueland

  • 1Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland.

Pediatric Research
|June 18, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Cobalamin supplementation did not improve infant blood cell counts, even with biochemical signs of deficiency. Iron status, not cobalamin, was the main factor influencing erythrocyte parameters in infants.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Hematology
  • Nutritional Biochemistry
  • Developmental Pediatrics

Background:

  • Cobalamin (vitamin B12) deficiency in infants can cause developmental delay and anemia, though macrocytic anemia is rare and linked to severe deficiency.
  • Iron deficiency is the primary cause of anemia in infants.
  • This study investigated infants with biochemical evidence of impaired cobalamin function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the impact of cobalamin supplementation on hematological parameters in infants with biochemical signs of impaired cobalamin function.
  • To determine the relationship between cobalamin status and iron status in infant erythropoiesis.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled trial involving 107 infants at 6 weeks of age.
  • Infants received either an intramuscular cobalamin injection (400 μg) or no intervention.
  • Hematological parameters, cobalamin, and folate levels were measured at baseline and 4 months.

Main Results:

  • Cobalamin supplementation improved markers of cobalamin function but did not affect hematological cell counts at 4 months.
  • Signs of iron-restricted erythropoiesis were present at both 6 weeks and 4 months.
  • Male gender and higher weight gain percentage were predictors of low iron status at 4 months.

Conclusions:

  • Cobalamin supplementation does not enhance hematological cell counts in infants with biochemical signs of impaired cobalamin function.
  • Erythrocyte parameter variations in this age group are primarily linked to iron status rather than cobalamin levels.
Abstract

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