[Severe vitamin B12 deficiency in infants breastfed by vegans].

Abstract

Weight loss and reduction of motor skills resulted in paediatric evaluation of a 10-month-old girl and a 12-month-old boy. Both children suffered form anaemia and delayed development due to vitamin B12 deficiency caused by strict maternal vegan diet during pregnancy and nursing. Therapy with cyanocobalamin was instituted with remission of symptoms. Since infants risk irreversible neurologic damage following severe vitamin B12 deficiency, early diagnosis and treatment are mandatory. Vegan and vegetarian women should take vitamin B12 supplementation during the pregnancy and nursing period.

• Authors: Casper Roed, Flemming Skovby, Allan Meldgaard Lund
• Journal: Ugeskrift for laeger (Ugeskr Laeger) Vol. 171 Issue 43 Pg. 3099-101 (Oct 19 2009) ISSN: 1603-6824 [Electronic] Denmark
• Vernacular Title: Svaer vitamin B12-mangel hos spaedbørn brysternaeret af veganere.
• PMID: 19852900 (Publication Type: Case Reports, English Abstract, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Vitamin B 12

Topics

• Breast Feeding
• Diet, Vegetarian (adverse effects)
• Failure to Thrive (etiology)
• Female
• Humans
• Infant
• Male
• Milk, Human
• Mothers
• Pregnancy
• Risk Factors
• Vitamin B 12 (administration & dosage)
• Vitamin B 12 Deficiency (drug therapy, etiology)