B12 for pregnant
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
Importance of Vitamin B12 During Pregnancy
Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Pregnant Women
Vitamin B12 deficiency is a common issue among pregnant women, particularly in regions like India and Bangladesh. Studies indicate that 40-70% of pregnant women in India suffer from vitamin B12 deficiency, which is linked to various adverse pregnancy outcomes1. Similarly, in Bangladesh, a significant proportion of pregnant women exhibit poor B12 status, with 26% being deficient and 40% having marginal levels2.
Impact on Pregnancy Outcomes
Neural Tube Defects and Birth Weight
Low maternal vitamin B12 levels are associated with an increased risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) and low birth weight in newborns. Observational studies have shown that lower maternal B12 levels and higher homocysteine levels correlate with a higher risk of NTDs and lower birth weight1. A meta-analysis further supports that B12 deficiency is linked to a higher risk of low birth weight and preterm birth3.
Pregnancy Complications
Vitamin B12 deficiency during pregnancy is also associated with complications such as recurrent pregnancy losses, gestational diabetes, and pre-eclampsia. These complications can have long-term health implications for both the mother and the child1.
Benefits of Vitamin B12 Supplementation
Maternal and Infant Health
Supplementation with vitamin B12 during pregnancy has shown promising results in improving maternal and infant health. In a randomized clinical trial in Bangladesh, daily supplementation of 250 µg of B12 significantly improved B12 status in mothers and infants, and enhanced immune responses in mothers2. Another study in South India found that higher maternal B12 levels during pregnancy were associated with better B12 status in infants at six weeks of age, reducing the risk of deficiency7.
Neurodevelopmental Outcomes
Vitamin B12 is crucial for the development and myelination of the central nervous system. Supplementation during pregnancy has been linked to improved neurocognitive development in offspring. However, more research is needed to confirm these benefits conclusively1 9 10.
Policy Implications
Given the high prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency and its significant impact on pregnancy outcomes, there is a strong case for including vitamin B12 in prenatal supplementation programs. Current policies in countries like India focus primarily on iron and folic acid supplementation. Expanding these programs to include vitamin B12 could provide extended benefits for maternal and child health1.
Conclusion
Vitamin B12 plays a vital role in ensuring healthy pregnancy outcomes and the long-term health of offspring. Addressing B12 deficiency through supplementation can mitigate risks such as neural tube defects, low birth weight, and pregnancy complications. Policymakers should consider incorporating vitamin B12 into existing prenatal nutrition programs to improve maternal and child health outcomes.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Maternal Vitamin B12 Status During Pregnancy and Its Association With Outcomes of Pregnancy and Health of the Offspring: A Systematic Review and Implications for Policy in India
Low maternal vitamin B12 status in India is associated with increased risks of neural tube defects, low birth weight, and adverse offspring health outcomes.
Systematic Review
Highly CitedVitamin B12 supplementation during pregnancy and postpartum improves B12 status of both mothers and infants but vaccine response in mothers only: a randomized clinical trial in Bangladesh
Vitamin B12 supplementation during pregnancy and lactation improves maternal, infant, and breast milk B12 status, but only improves H1N1 vaccine-specific responses in mothers.
RCT
Rigorous JournalHighly CitedAssociations of Maternal Vitamin B12 Concentration in Pregnancy With the Risks of Preterm Birth and Low Birth Weight: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Individual Participant Data
Maternal vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with a higher risk of low birth weight and preterm birth in newborns.
Meta-Analysis
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedVitamin D3 and B12 Supplementation in Pregnancy.
Oral vitamin D3 and B12 supplementation during pregnancy failed to correct nutritional deficiencies in Bangladeshi pregnant women, while dietary supplementation and high dose vitamin D effectively corrected severe deficiency.
RCTEvaluating the Diagnostic Value of a Combined Indicator of Vitamin B12 Status (cB12) Throughout Pregnancy
Trimester-specific reference ranges for vitamin B12 biomarkers in normal pregnancy are suggested, but these biomarkers have limited predictive value in identifying mothers at elevated risk of vitamin B12 insufficiency/deficiency during pregnancy.
RCTInterventions with vitamins B6, B12 and C in pregnancy.
Vitamin C supplementation during pregnancy is not justified, while vitamin B6 supplementation may improve birthweight and reduce neural tube defects in offspring, but more research is needed.
Meta-AnalysisHighly CitedVitamin B12 status in pregnant women and their infants in South India
Impaired maternal vitamin B12 status during pregnancy is the single best predictor of infant vitamin B12 deficiency, even after adjusting for supplementation.
RCTVitamin B12 Supplementation in Addition to Folic Acid and Iron Improves Hematological and Biochemical Markers in Pregnancy: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Vitamin B12 supplementation in addition to folic acid and iron improves hematological and biochemical markers in pregnancy, reducing the risk of anemia within the reference range.
RCTB12 in fetal development.
Vitamin B12 is essential for fetal and child development, and deficiency may negatively impact cognitive, motor, and growth outcomes in children.
Highly CitedThe effects of vitamin B12 supplementation in pregnancy and postpartum on growth and neurodevelopment in early childhood: Study Protocol for a Randomized Placebo Controlled Trial
Vitamin B12 supplementation during pregnancy and postpartum may improve early childhood growth and neurodevelopment in Nepalese children.
RCT
Large Human TrialRigorous Journal