Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Children

Vitamin B12 deficiency poses significant health care challenges. Its deficiency is an important cause of nutritional anemia in children, next to iron deficiency. Though macrocytic/ megaloblastic anemia due to deficiency of vitamin B 12, is the common presentation, a significant proportion of patients develop pancytopenia. As vitamin B12 has a significant role in synthesis of myelin, its deficiency also leads to several neurological manifestations. This may have long term implications as neurological complications do not completely resolve if treatment is delayed. Recently, role of vitamin B12 in somatic growth is being highlighted. This review highlights the prevalence, causes, diagnostic approach and treatment of Vitamin B12 deficiency. Possible reasons for increasing incidence and prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency across the globe are also briefly discussed.