Maternal B12 levels impact children's cardiometabolic health

Maternal B<sub>12</sub> levels impact children's cardiometabolic health

(HealthDay)—Mothers' vitamin B12 levels in early pregnancy may impact children's cardiometabolic risk factors at age 5 years, according to a study published in the February issue of BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology.

G.G. Krikke, from the Academic Medical Centre in Amsterdam, and colleagues identified 1,950 mother-child pairs participating in the Amsterdam Born Children and their Development study for whom information on maternal vitamin B12 or folate status in early gestation and child health at age 5 to 6 years was available.

The researchers found that low maternal folate levels during (median 13 weeks of gestation) were associated with slightly higher body mass index in offspring (decrease per 10 units: β 0.07 kg/m²). There was also an association noted between low maternal B12 concentrations and higher heart rates (decrease per 100 units: β 0.49 beats/min).

"This study provides further evidence that maternal nutrition in early pregnancy may possibly program cardiometabolic health of the offspring," the authors write.

More information: Abstract
Full Text (subscription or payment may be required)

Copyright © 2016 HealthDay. All rights reserved.

Citation: Maternal B12 levels impact children's cardiometabolic health (2016, February 12) retrieved 28 March 2024 from https://medicalxpress.com/news/2016-02-maternal-b12-impact-children-cardiometabolic.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Explore further

Depression in pregnant women is associated with low folate levels, but not with vitamin B12

1 shares

Feedback to editors