Research article summary (published 17 Oct 2009):

[Severe vitamin B12 deficiency in infants breastfed by vegans]

(Svaer vitamin B12-mangel hos spaedbørn brysternaeret af veganere.)

Full 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.

Author information

Author/s: Roed, Casper (C); Skovby, Flemming (F); Lund, Allan Meldgaard (AM);

Affiliation: Rigshospitalet, Børneafdelingen, Klinisk Genetisk Afdeling, og Hvidovre Hospital, Børneafdelingen, Denmark. casper.roed(-atsign-)rh.regionh.dk

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Case Reports; English Abstract; Journal Article

Journal: Ugeskrift for laeger (Ugeskr Laeger), published in Denmark. (Language: dan)

Reference: 2009-Oct; vol 171 (issue 43) : pp 3099-101

Dates: Created 2009/10/26; Completed 2009/11/02;

PMID: 19852900, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 11/2/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Breast Feeding Diet, Vegetarian - adverse effects Failure to Thrive - etiology Female Humans Infant Male

Male Milk, Human Mothers Pregnancy Risk Factors Vitamin B 12 - administration & dosage Vitamin B 12 Deficiency - drug therapy; etiology

Associated Chemicals: Vitamin B 12 (68-19-9)

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