Birth weight, head circumference, and length of newborns are unaffected by maternal levels of vitamin B12 and folate.

Vitamin B12, folate, and other micronutrients are essential for healthy growth. We hypothesized that there is a high prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in mothers and their newborns, and that blood serum vitamin B12 and folate levels may affect anthropometric measurements at birth. A total of 204 newborn babies and their 196 mothers were included. Blood samples of newborns and mothers were obtained for vitamin B12 (<200 pg/mL) and folate (<3 ng/mL) deficiencies. Additionally, iron and ferritin levels were measured. The mean gestational age and birth weight were 37.2 ± 2.6 (22.3-41) weeks and 3045 ± 770 (505-4525) g, respectively. All micronutrient levels in cord blood were higher than maternal levels (P = .001). A total of 96.3% of mothers and 64.5% of babies had vitamin B12 deficiency; 4% of mothers and none of the infants had folate deficiency. In total, 38.2% of mothers and 10.6% of infants had ferritin deficiency and 38.7% of mothers and 41.4% of newborns had iron deficiency. There was a negative correlation between cord vitamin B12 level and birth weight and head circumference (r = -0.21, P = .004 and r = -0.16, P = .036, respectively), whereas no correlation was found between maternal micronutrient status and anthropometric measurements of newborns. In conclusion, anthropometric measurements were unaffected by maternal levels, but vitamin B12 deficiency is very common in pregnant women and newborn babies. Mothers and their infants may benefit from early diagnosis and treatment. Awareness of vitamin B12 deficiency in pregnant women and newborns should be increased in Turkey.
Competing Interests: Conflict of interest None declared.
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