Prevalence of Vitamin B12 Deficiency and Its Associated Risk Factors among Pregnant Women of Rural South India: A Community-based Cross-sectional Study

Introduction: Vitamin B12 is essential for the normal functioning of the nervous system and for the formation of red blood cells. Vegetarian diet, low socioeconomic status, and social and religious reasons are known risk factors of its deficiency. Pregnant women, children, and the elderly are vulnerable groups. Indians have the highest prevalence, but the data among pregnant women in the rural setting is lacking. Objectives: The objective of this study is to assess the prevalence of Vitamin B12 deficiency and its associated factors among pregnant women of rural South India. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted to recruit consecutive 120 multigravida women with ≤20 weeks of gestation, attending the mobile doctor run clinic of Kaniyambadi block, Vellore. A structured questionnaire was administered, and blood samples were collected. Results: The prevalence of Vitamin B12 deficiency (