Effects of vitamin B12 and folate deficiency on brain development in children

Abstract

Folate deficiency in the periconceptional period contributes to neural tube defects; deficits in vitamin B12 (cobalamin) have negative consequences on the developing brain during infancy; and deficits of both vitamins are associated with a greater risk of depression during adulthood. This review examines two mechanisms linking folate and vitamin B12 deficiency to abnormal behavior and development in infants: disruptions to myelination and inflammatory processes. Future investigations should focus on the relationship between the timing of deficient and marginal vitamin B12 status and outcomes such as infant growth, cognition, social development, and depressive symptoms, along with prevention of folate and vitamin B12 deficiency.

Figures

FIG. 1

Human brain development. Source: adapted from Thompson and Nelson [29]

FIG. 2

Association between nutritional deficiency and children’s behavior and development. Source: adapted from Levitsky and Barnes [46]