The Frequency of Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid Deficiency in Mothers and Their Newborn Infants in Şanlıurfa Province

Background: Vitamin B12 deficiency in pregnant women is an important health issue which not only affects mothers but also their infants. The aim of this study is to reveal the frequency of vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiency in pregnant women and their newborn babies, to evaluate the relationship between maternal and neonatal vitamin B12 and folic acid levels, and to determine the risk factors for vitamin B12 deficiency. Materials and Methods: This prospective study included 600 pregnant women (gestational age: 38-42 weeks) who presented to obstetrics departments in Şanlıurfa Province and their newborn infants without perinatal complication (birth weight≥2500 g). The lower limit for vitamin B12 was defined as 200 pg/mL. Data regarding age, number of child, medication, comorbid disease or being vegetarian or not were recorded in all mothers. Results: Vitamin B12 deficiency was found in 73.8% of the included pregnant women, and folic acid deficiency was found in 10.3%. Again, 70.5% of newborn babies were found to have vitamin B12 deficiency and 3.7% to have folic acid deficiency. It was concluded that vitamin B12 levels in newborn babies were related to maternal levels. Conclusions: As a result, it has been shown that a significant portion of newborns in Turkey have vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 levels were quite low in mothers who gave birth recently. The deficiency of vitamin B12, which plays a major role in brain development upon intrauterine period, is a preventable cause of neurological deficit. Thus, it is highly important to screen and treat vitamin B12 deficiency before onset of clinical symptoms. We believe that our study is beneficial in this regard.