Introduction
irritability
MEGALOBLASTIC ANEMIA, FAILURE TO THRIVE, VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY, DEVELOPMENTAL REGRESSION, LITTLE
The micronutrients vitamin B12 (cobalamin) and folate are closely related metabolically and involved in several processes in the body, including maturation and division of cells and myelination of the nervous system [Despite the reports of the high prevalence of poor vitamin B12 status among infants, overt and subclinical deficiency may be difficult to detect. Signs and symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency in infants are often diffuse and overlap with other conditions. Symptoms may include failure to thrive, irritability, refusal of solid foods, megaloblastic anemia, and developmental regression [Several biochemical indicators of vitamin B12 and folate status are available. Total cobalamin is a widely used direct measure reflecting total circulating vitamin B12 status [Little is known about vitamin B12 and folate status in Norwegian pregnant females and their infants. Therefore, we aimed to describe vitamin B12 and folate status among pregnant females and their infants in Norway using indicators of vitamin B12 (plasma cobalamin, t-Hcy, MMA, and cB12) and folate status (plasma folate and t-Hcy). We also examined the relationship between maternal status in pregnancy and infant status during their first 6 mo of life and investigated whether maternal dietary supplement use during pregnancy and breastfeeding affected infants’ vitamin B12 or folate status.