1. Introduction
SAM, B12 deficiency, malnutrition
BLOOD, MALNUTRITION
Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) is treated with ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTF) containing a vitamin–mineral premix. Yet little is known about micronutrient status in children with SAM before and after treatment. We aimed to investigate vitamin B12 status in children with uncomplicated SAM, aged 6–59 months in Burkina Faso, before and after treatment with a standard or a reduced dose of RUTF. Blood samples were collected at admission and discharge. Serum B12 was determined with microbiological assay and serum methylmalonic acid (MMA) and total homocysteine (tHcy) were analyzed with gas chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. B12 status was classified using the combined indicator (3cB12). Among 374 children, the median [interquartile range] age was 11.0 [7.7–16.9] months, and 85.8% were breastfed. Marked or severe B12 deficiency, as judged by 3cB12, decreased from 32% to 9% between admission and discharge (Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) is of major importance for child development and growth [Vitamin B12 is essential for DNA, RNA, and protein synthesis; DNA methylation; myelination of neurons and, hence, brain development [Vitamin B12 status is assessed predominantly by direct measurement of total serum B12 concentration [The objective of the present study was to investigate B12 status before and after treatment with a standard or a reduced dose of RUTF and explore factors associated with the B12 status.