Vitamin B(12) intake and status in early pregnancy among urban South Indian women

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the vitamin B(12) status of South Indian women in early pregnancy and its relationship with sociodemographic, anthropometry and dietary intake.

Methods: Cross-sectional study among 366 pregnant urban South Indian women ≤14 weeks of gestation with outcome variables defined as low vitamin B(12) blood concentration (<150 pmol/l) and impaired vitamin B(12) status [low vitamin B(12) plus elevated methylmalonic acid (MMA) >0.26 µmol/l)].

Results: Low plasma vitamin B(12) concentration was observed in 51.1% of the women, while 42.4% had impaired B(12) status. Elevated MMA, elevated homocysteine (>10 µmol/l) and low erythrocyte folate (<283 nmol/l) were observed among 75.8, 43.3 and 22.2% of the women, respectively. The median (25th, 75th percentile) dietary intake of vitamin B(12) was 1.25 (0.86, 1.96) µg/day. Lower maternal body weight was associated with higher vitamin B(12) concentration [prevalence ratios (PR) (95% CI) 0.57 (0.39, 0.84)]. The predictors of impaired vitamin B(12) status were no consumption of yoghurt [PR (95% CI) 1.63 (1.03, 2.58)] or fish [PR (95% CI) 1.32 (1.01, 1.71)] and primiparity [PR (95% CI) 1.41 (1.05, 1.90)].

Conclusion: A high prevalence of vitamin B(12) deficiency in early pregnancy among urban South Indian women was related to primiparity and to a low consumption of yoghurt and fish.

Copyright © 2013 S. Karger AG, Basel.

Figures

Figure 1a

Association between plasma vitamin B12 concentration and MMA level among South Indian pregnant women. Plasma vitamin B12 concentration versus concentration of methylmalonic acid (MMA) in pregnant South Indian women (r = −0.184, P = 0.001, n = 349). The dotted line on the x axis denotes the cut off level for vitamin B12 deficiency (< 150 picomol/L), while the dotted line on the y axis denotes the cut off level for elevated MMA (> 0.26 μmol/L).

Figure 1b

Association between plasma vitamin B12 concentration and Hcy level among South Indian pregnant women. Plasma vitamin B12 concentration versus concentration of homcysteine (Hcy) in pregnant South Indian women (r = −0.097, P = 0.069, n = 349). The dotted line on the x axis denotes the cut off level for vitamin B12 deficiency (< 150 picomol/L), while the dotted line on the y axis denotes the cut off level for elevated Hcy (> 10 μmol/L).