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A descriptive observational study of B12 testing during pregnancy and infancy in New Zealand and suggested guidance

Asher Henry1, Natasha Heather2, Campbell Kyle3

  • 1Paediatric Fellow, Whakatāne Hospital, Bay of Plenty, New Zealand.

The New Zealand Medical Journal
|February 27, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Vitamin B12 deficiency in infants and mothers is inadequately detected and treated in Auckland. A risk-based screening approach is recommended to improve diagnosis and management of this critical nutrient deficiency.

Area of Science:

  • Maternal and Child Health
  • Nutritional Science
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Severe Vitamin B12 deficiency poses significant risks to infant health.
  • Antenatal and infant Vitamin B12 status is crucial for development.
  • Understanding regional detection and treatment rates is essential for improving care.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the recent detection and treatment rates of antenatal and infant Vitamin B12 deficiency in the Auckland-Northland region.
  • To identify gaps in current testing and treatment guidelines.
  • To provide recommendations for improved screening and management.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of regional laboratory data on serum B12 levels.
  • Identification and pairing of B12 deficient infants and pregnant women.
  • Review of electronic health records for treatment patterns.

Main Results:

  • Low infant testing incidence (5/1,000 infants/year); 6% of tested infants had B12 deficiency.
  • 16% of pregnant women tested had antenatal B12 deficiency (2% high-risk).
  • Suboptimal treatment rates for both deficient infants and mothers; low testing in high-risk pregnancies.

Conclusions:

  • Current Auckland-Northland guidelines inadequately address B12 deficiency in pregnancy and infancy.
  • A risk-based screening approach is recommended for early detection of infant deficiency.
  • Recommendations for antenatal/postnatal B12 testing, treatment, and nutritional advice are proposed.
Abstract

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