Vitamin B12 Status in Pregnant Women in Nigeria
Author Information
Author(s): Dorothy J. VanderJagt, Innocent A. O. Ujah, Eugene I. Ikeh, Jessica Bryant, Pam Victor, Amelia Hilgart, Michael J. Crossey, Robert H. Glew
Primary Institution: University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center
Hypothesis
What is the vitamin B12 status of pregnant women in Nigeria?
Conclusion
36% of pregnant women in Nigeria were found to be vitamin B12 deficient.
Supporting Evidence
- 36% of the women were classified as vitamin B12-deficient using a cutoff of 40 pmol/L.
- HoloTC concentrations correlated negatively with plasma homocysteine levels.
- HoloTC concentrations positively correlated with red blood cell folate concentrations.
Takeaway
Many pregnant women in Nigeria don't have enough vitamin B12, which is important for their babies' health.
Methodology
The study measured plasma holotranscobalamin levels in 143 pregnant women attending an antenatal clinic.
Limitations
Dietary intake of vitamin B12 was not assessed.
Participant Demographics
Participants were healthy pregnant women from all trimesters, aged 18 to 53, with varied educational backgrounds and occupations.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.003
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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