Vitamin B12 is essential for infant neurodevelopment. Undiagnosed maternal vitamin B12 deficiency may result in irreversible neurological damage to the breastfed infant. Although maternal vitamin B12 deficiency is uncommon, the majority of women with deficient B12 levels are asymptomatic.
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Routine measurement of vitamin B12 is not required; however check the serum vitamin B12 level if any of the following exist:
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- increased MCV (mean corpuscular volume)
- vegetarian diet
- GIT pathology (coeliac disease, Crohn’s disease, gastric banding/bypass etc)
- family history of vitamin B12 deficiency or pernicious anaemia.
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Click on the thumbnail below to view a full sized image of the algorithm for management of low or indeterminate vitamin B12 levels.
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References
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Refer to: References: Nutritional Deficiencies in Pregnancy.
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Revised and updated: 5 June 2009
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Royal Women's Hospital Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs) are intended to provide guidance to health care professionals, based on a thorough evaluation of research evidence, on the practical assessment and management of specific clinical issues or situations. The guidelines allow some flexibility on the part of the health care professional based on the needs of the specific patient for whom they are caring.
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