IMPACT OF VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY IN CHILDREN AND INFANTS: CAUSES, DIAGNOSIS, TREATMENT, AND PREVENTION

Abstract

Objective: This systematic review aims to gather and examine the scientific evidence on vitamin B12 deficiency in infants and children, investigating its causes, clinical symptoms, diagnostic methods, therapeutic approaches, and preventive strategies. The article seeks to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date view, identify gaps in research, and guide future investigations and clinical practices. Methodology: We used the PVO strategy (population, variable and objective) to formulate the guiding question of this systematic review. The search was conducted in the PubMed Central (PMC) database with the combination of five descriptors using the Boolean term "AND": Vitamin B12 Deficiency, Child Development, Infant Health, Nutritional Deficiency, Pediatrics. Of the 150 articles found, 15 were selected after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, resulting in 7 articles used to compose the final collection. Results: Vitamin B12 is critical for DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and neurological health. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause megaloblastic anemia, neurological disorders, and delays in cognitive and motor development, especially in children and infants. Causes include inadequate intake during pregnancy and breastfeeding, especially on vegetarian or vegan diets, and absorption problems such as celiac disease. Laboratory evaluation should include the measurement of serum cobalamin, total homocysteine, and methylmalonic acid. Studies indicate that vitamin B12 supplementation significantly improves cobalamin and hemoglobin levels, reduces homocysteine levels, and reverses neurological and hematological symptoms. Conclusion: Early detection and prompt treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency are crucial to avoid serious complications. Adequate supplementation is essential for at-risk populations, such as pregnant women, breastfeeding women, infants and young children, as well as individuals who follow vegan or vegetarian diets. Preventive strategies, such as newborn screening and nutritional education, are essential to reduce the incidence of this deficiency. More research is needed to fully understand the relationship between maternal vitamin B12 levels and neonatal outcomes, as well as to improve diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.