B12 vitamin level in children and its relationship with complete blood count parameters.

Abstract

Objective: In our study, we aimed to determine the level of vitamin B12, and the relationship between complete blood count parameters and vitamin B12 level in children aged 1-5 years admitted to our outpatient clinic. Methods: Children aged 1-5 years who were consulted to Izmir Tepecik Training and Research Hospital between 2008-2012 without chronic disease, but thought to have B12 vitamin deficiency were included in the study. Serum vitamin B12, folic acid levels and complete blood counts were measured in all cases. Results: A total of 404 children (mean age: 3.2±1.1 years, median age: 4 years, age range: 1-5; 183 females/221 males) were included. Ninty-four (23.3%) children had vitamin B12 deficiency. Patient’s age, gender, the frequency of folic acid acid deficiency, and anemia and the levels of complete blood count parameters were not significantly different in cases with and without B12 deficiency (p>0.05). Serum vitamin B12 levels were not significantly correlated with the complete blood count parameters (p>0.05). Conclusion: Vitamin B12 deficiency is a common condition in children. Measurement of complete blood count is insufficient to predict vitamin B12 deficiency in children.