3.2. Biomarkers of Vitamin B12 Status in Children with SAM Treated with RUTF
B12 deficiency
At admission, only 16% showed a 3cB12 value indicating adequate B12 status (3cB12 > 0), while 32% had 3cB12 values suggesting marked to severe B12 deficiency (3cB12 < −1.4) (The following cut-points for 3cB12 were employed for the classification of B12 status: adequate if >0, moderate deficiency when ≥−1.4 but ≤0, marked deficiency when ≥−2.4 but <−1.4, and severe deficiency when <−2.4 [Treatment improved the B12 biomarker profile from intake to discharge by increasing serum B12 and decreasing tHcy, MMA, and 3cB12 (