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Serum vitamin B12 levels in protein-malnourished children
Insights
This study found slightly higher serum vitamin B12 levels in protein-malnourished Nigerian children compared to healthy controls. High vitamin B12 levels in malnourished children correlated with liver enlargement.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Nutrition
- Clinical Biochemistry
- Hematology
Background:
- Protein malnutrition is a significant health concern in children.
- Vitamin B12 is essential for various physiological functions.
- Understanding nutrient status in malnourished populations is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare serum vitamin B12 levels in protein-malnourished versus healthy Nigerian children.
- To investigate the relationship between vitamin B12 levels, protein status, and hematological parameters.
- To explore potential correlations with clinical findings like liver enlargement.
Main Methods:
- Assayed serum vitamin B12 levels in 25 healthy and 35 protein-malnourished children (aged 1-6 years).
- Measured serum proteins and hematocrit values.
- Clinically assessed liver enlargement.
Main Results:
- Mean serum vitamin B12 activity was slightly higher in protein-malnourished children than in controls.
- Healthy Nigerian children exhibited high serum vitamin B12 activity.
- A correlation was observed between very high serum vitamin B12 levels in malnourished children and liver enlargement incidence.
Conclusions:
- Protein malnutrition in Nigerian children may be associated with altered vitamin B12 status.
- High vitamin B12 levels in this context warrant further investigation, especially regarding liver health.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the complex interplay of nutrition, vitamin B12, and health outcomes in children.
Abstract:
Serum vitamin B12 levels were assayed in 25 healthy and 35 protein-malnourished children aged 1-6 years. Serum proteins and haematocrit values of the children were also measured. Liver enlargement was estimated clinically. The mean serum vitamin B12 activity among protein-malnourished children was slightly higher than that for the control group. Serum vitamin B12 activity of the healthy Nigerian children was, however, high, and possible reasons for this are discussed in detail. There was some correlation between very high serum vitamin B12 levels among the protein-malnourished children and incidence of liver enlargement.