B12 iron
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The Role of Vitamin B12 and Iron in Health: A Comprehensive Overview
Importance of Vitamin B12 and Iron in Metabolic Functions
Vitamin B12 and iron are essential nutrients that play critical roles in various metabolic functions. Deficiencies in these nutrients can lead to significant health issues, including anemia and other systemic effects. Both nutrients are crucial for proper hematopoiesis and overall cellular function 1.
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Deficiency
General Population
Deficiencies in iron and vitamin B12 are common across different age groups and populations. For instance, a study in New Zealand found that while most elderly participants met the dietary requirements for iron and vitamin B12, a significant portion did not meet the requirements for folate, highlighting the need for balanced nutrient intake 2. Similarly, a study in Mexico reported that 22.9% of children under five were anemic, with 10% being iron deficient and 5.4% having vitamin B12 deficiency 4.
Pregnant Women and Adolescents
Pregnant women and adolescents are particularly vulnerable to deficiencies. In a study involving pregnant adolescents in Canada, 22% were found to be anemic, and 78% had depleted iron stores. Additionally, 43% had suboptimal vitamin B12 levels 5. Another study in India showed that weekly supplementation of iron and folic acid, with or without vitamin B12, significantly reduced anemia in adolescent girls 6.
Impact of Deficiency on Health
Pregnancy and Neonatal Health
Vitamin B12 and iron deficiencies during pregnancy can lead to adverse outcomes such as low birth weight, gestational diabetes, and developmental issues in offspring. Supplementation of vitamin B12 along with iron and folic acid has been shown to improve hematological markers and reduce the risk of anemia in pregnant women 37.
Post-Bariatric Surgery
Bariatric surgery patients are at increased risk for deficiencies in iron and vitamin B12, which can lead to anemia. A meta-analysis comparing sleeve gastrectomy and Roux-en-Y gastric bypass found that the latter had a higher risk of postoperative vitamin B12 deficiency. Prophylactic supplementation of iron and vitamin B12 is recommended to mitigate these risks 89.
Strategies for Addressing Deficiencies
Dietary Interventions
Improving dietary intake of iron and vitamin B12 through fortified foods and supplements is a common strategy. For example, cookies enriched with iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 have been developed as a functional food to combat anemia in adolescents 10.
Supplementation Programs
Supplementation programs targeting vulnerable populations, such as pregnant women and adolescents, have shown positive outcomes. In India, adding vitamin B12 to existing iron and folic acid supplementation programs has been suggested to improve pregnancy outcomes and reduce the risk of anemia 7.
Conclusion
Iron and vitamin B12 are vital nutrients necessary for various bodily functions, and their deficiencies can lead to severe health issues. Addressing these deficiencies through dietary interventions and targeted supplementation programs is crucial for improving public health outcomes, particularly in vulnerable populations such as pregnant women, children, and post-bariatric surgery patients.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
Iron, vitamin B12 and folate
Iron, vitamin B12, and folate deficiency can cause disordered haematopoiesis and widespread effects in other organs, and can be effectively treated with supplements and avoidance of blood transfusions.
Very Rigorous Journal
Highly CitedIntakes, Adequacy, and Biomarker Status of Iron, Folate, and Vitamin B12 in Māori and Non-Māori Octogenarians: Life and Living in Advanced Age: A Cohort Study in New Zealand (LiLACS NZ)
Mori and non-Mori octagenarians met the EAR for iron and vitamin B12, but not folate, and strategies are needed to optimize folate intake and bioavailability.
Observational StudyVery Rigorous JournalVitamin 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.
RCTAnemia and Iron and Vitamin B12 Deficiencies in Children Under 5 in Mexico: Results from the National Health and Nutrition Survey (ENSANUT)
Anemia and iron and vitamin B12 insufficiency are high in children under 5 in Mexico.
Observational StudyVery Rigorous JournalBiochemical folate, B12, and iron status of a group of pregnant adolescents accessed through the public health system in southern Ontario.
Prenatal supplement use reduces the risk of low folate and B12 blood values in pregnant adolescents, but not biochemical iron status.
Observational StudyImpact of weekly iron folic acid supplementation with and without vitamin B12 on anaemic adolescent girls: a randomised clinical trial
Weekly iron folic acid supplementation with vitamin B12 effectively reduces anaemia prevalence in adolescent girls, with vitamin B12 supplementation improving ferritin status.
RCT
Large Human TrialMaternal 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 ReviewHighly CitedIron, Vitamin B12, Folate and Copper Deficiency After Bariatric Surgery and the Impact on Anaemia: a Systematic Review
Bariatric surgery may increase the risk of iron, vitamin B12, folate, and copper deficiencies, leading to anaemia, but more research is needed to confirm these findings.
Systematic Review
Rigorous JournalAnemia, iron and vitamin B12 deficiencies after sleeve gastrectomy compared to Roux-en-Y gastric bypass: a meta-analysis.
Sleeve gastrectomy reduces postoperative vitamin B12 deficiency risk more effectively than Roux-en-Y gastric bypass, while both methods have comparable risks of anemia and iron deficiency.
Meta-AnalysisHighly CitedCookies rich in iron (Fe), folic acid, cobalamin (vitamin B12), and antioxidants: a novel functional food potential for adolescent with anemia
The combination of porang's tubers, moringa leaves, and black soybean-based tempe, especially F3, has the potential to be a functional cookie source of iron (Fe), folic acid, cobalamin (vitamin B12), and antioxidants for adolescents with anemia.
RCTRigorous Journal