Vitamin B12 for pregnant women: why is it needed

Vitamin B12 for pregnant women: why is it needed

The role of vitamin B12 in the body and its importance for all, especially for pregnant women

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a water -soluble vitamin that plays a key role in many vital processes in the body. It is necessary for the normal functioning of the nervous system, DNA synthesis, the formation of red blood cells and maintaining brain health. B12 deficiency can lead to serious health problems, including anemia, neurological disorders and nerves damage.

For pregnant women, vitamin B12 is of particular importance. During pregnancy, the need for this vitamin increases significantly, since it is necessary not only for the health of the mother, but also for the normal development of the fetus. B12 is involved in the formation of the nervous system of the child, his brain and spinal cord. It is also necessary for the synthesis of DNA and RNA, the main building blocks of cells, which is critically important for the rapid growth and development of the fetus. Enough B12 consumption during pregnancy reduces the risk of developing defects in the nervous tube in a child, as well as other congenital anomalies.

Increased need for B12 during pregnancy: physiological changes and fetal requirements

During pregnancy, significant physiological changes occur in the body of women, which lead to an increase in the need for vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12. The blood volume of the mother increases by 30-50%, which requires increased synthesis of red blood cells. B12 plays a key role in this process, and its deficit can lead to the development of megaloblastic anemia in a pregnant woman.

In addition, the growing fetus actively consumes B12 for its development. He receives vitamin B12 through the placenta from his mother. The more the fetus grows, the greater its need for B12, and, therefore, the mother’s need increases. The insufficient consumption of B12 by the mother can lead to a deficiency of vitamin in the fetus, which, in turn, can adversely affect its development, especially on the formation of the nervous system and the brain.

The recommended daily dose of vitamin B12 for non -pregnant women is 2.4 μg. During pregnancy, this dose increases to 2.6 μg, and during lactation – up to 2.8 μg. These increased needs must be taken into account and provided with sufficient consumption of vitamin B12 from food or using additives.

The consequences of B12 deficiency for pregnant women and their children

Vitamin B12 deficiency during pregnancy can have serious consequences for both the mother and the child. In a pregnant woman, B12 deficiency can lead to the following problems:

• Megaloblastic anemia: This is a type of anemia, characterized by the presence of large and immature red blood cells. Anemia can cause fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, dizziness and pallor of the skin.
• Neurological problems: B12 deficiency can lead to damage to the nerves, which manifests itself in the form of tingling and numbness in the arms and legs, problems with balance, depression, irritability and memory deterioration.
• Increased risk of pregnancy complications: Studies have shown that B12 deficiency may be associated with an increased risk of premature birth, low birth weight and preeclampsia (high blood pressure and the presence of protein in the urine).

For a child, B12 deficiency during pregnancy may have even more serious consequences:

• Nervous tube defects: The deficiency of B12, like folic acid, can increase the risk of developing defects in the nervous tube, such as the cleft spine (Spina Bifida) and anencephalus (lack of brain).
• Brain developmental disorders: B12 plays a key role in the development of the brain, and its deficiency can lead to cognitive disorders, developmental delay and problems with learning in the future.
• Low birth weight: B12 deficiency in the mother can lead to the fact that the child will be born with low weight, which increases the risk of developing various diseases in infancy and childhood.
• Anemia: A child can be born with anemia due to B12 deficiency in the mother.
• Increased risk of developing chronic diseases in the future: Some studies associate B12 deficiency during pregnancy with an increased risk of developing chronic diseases, such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, in the child in the future.

Sources of vitamin B12: food and additives

Vitamin B12 is mainly found in animal products. Good sources B12 include:

• Meat: Beef, pork, lamb, bird (especially the liver).
• Fish and seafood: Salmon, tuna, cod, herring, shrimp, mollusks.
• Dairy products: Moloko, cheese, yogurt.
• Eggs.

It is especially important for vegetarians and vegans to monitor the level of B12, since it is practically not contained in plant foods. Some products can be enriched with vitamin B12, for example, soy milk, tofu and cereals for breakfast. However, the content of B12 in enriched products can be unstable, and it may not be enough to meet the needs of a pregnant woman.

For vegetarians and vegans, it is recommended to take vitamin B12 additives during pregnancy. It is also recommended to take supplements if a woman has risk factors of B12 deficiency, such as:

• Vegetarianism or veganism.
• Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, Such as Crohn’s disease or celiac disease, which can violate the absorption of B12.
• Taking some drugs, Such as metformin (for the treatment of diabetes) and proton pump inhibitors (for the treatment of heartburn), which can reduce B12 absorption.
• Elderly age Since with age, the body’s ability to absorb B12 from food decreases.
• Surgical interventions on the stomach or intestines.

It is important to consult a doctor before taking vitamin B12 additives to determine the correct dosage and exclude possible contraindications. There are various forms of vitamin B12, such as cyanocobalamin, methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin. Methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin are considered more bioavailable forms, that is, they are better absorbed by the body.

Diagnosis of deficiency B12: blood tests and interpretation of results

Diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency during pregnancy is carried out using blood tests. The most commonly used tests include:

• General blood test: It can identify anemia, which is one of the signs of B12 deficiency.
• Vitamin B12 level in blood serum: This is the main test for assessing the B12 level in the body. The normal range of B12 levels can vary depending on the laboratory, but usually it is from 200 to 900 pg/ml. The level below 200 pg/ml is considered a sign of B12 deficiency.
• The level of homocysteine ​​in blood plasma: Homocystein is an amino acid whose level increases with a deficiency of B12. The normal level of homocysteine ​​is from 5 to 15 μmol/l. An increased level of homocysteine ​​may indicate a deficiency of B12 or folic acid.
• The level of methylmalonic acid (MMA) in the urine or blood: MMA is an organic acid, the level of which also increases with a deficiency of B12. Measurement of MMA levels is considered a more accurate way of diagnosing deficiency B12 than measuring the B12 level in blood serum.

The interpretation of the results of the analyzes should be carried out by a doctor. It is important to consider not only the absolute values ​​of the levels of B12, homocysteine ​​and MMA, but also the clinical symptoms of the patient. In some cases, even with a normal level of B12 in the blood serum, signs of deficiency B12 can be observed, especially if the patient has risk factors, such as vegetarianism or disease of the gastrointestinal tract.

Treatment of B12 deficiency during pregnancy: Protocols and recommendations

Treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency during pregnancy is aimed at restoring the normal level of B12 in the mother’s body and preventing negative consequences for the child. The treatment method depends on the degree of deficiency and the cause of its occurrence.

In most cases, treatment of deficiency B12 during pregnancy is carried out using vitamin B12 additives. Addments can be taken in the form of tablets, capsules, hyoid tablets or injections. The choice of the form of the additive depends on the individual characteristics of the patient and the degree of deficiency B12.

• Tablets and capsules: Suitable for the treatment of moderate B12 deficiency. The dosage is usually from 1000 to 2000 mcg per day.
• Handicraft tablets: Dissolve under the tongue and absorb directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the gastrointestinal tract. This can be useful for people with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, which make it difficult to absorb B12 from tablets and capsules.
• Vitamin B12 injections: Usually used to treat severe B12 deficiency or in the presence of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, which prevent the suction of B12 from oral drugs. Injections are usually done intramuscularly, once a week for several weeks, and then once a month.

During the treatment of B12 deficiency, it is important to regularly control the B12 level in the blood to make sure that the treatment is effective and the dosage is adequate. After restoring the normal level of B12, supportive therapy may be required, especially if the patient has risk factors for B12 deficiency, such as vegetarianism or disease of the gastrointestinal tract.

It is recommended to consult a doctor to develop an individual treatment plan for B12 deficiency during pregnancy. The doctor will be able to determine the correct dosage and form of the additive, as well as control the effectiveness of treatment.

B12 deficiency prevention during pregnancy: diet and additives

The prevention of vitamin B12 deficiency during pregnancy is of paramount importance to the health of the mother and child. Preventive measures include:

• Balanced diet, rich in vitamin B12: Include animal products in your diet, such as meat, fish, dairy products and eggs.
• Reception of vitamin B12 additives, especially for vegetarians and vegans: If you are a vegetarian or vegan, be sure to take vitamin B12 additives during pregnancy. The recommended dose is 2.6 μg per day.
• Regular screening of vitamin level B12: Discuss with your doctor the need to screening levels B12, especially if you have risk factors for the deficit.
• Contact the doctor when the symptoms of deficiency are B12: If you experience fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, tingling and numbness in the arms and legs, or other symptoms of deficiency B12, consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.

Interaction of vitamin B12 with other vitamins and minerals during pregnancy

Vitamin B12 interacts with other vitamins and minerals in the body, and these interactions can be especially important during pregnancy. Some of the most important interactions include:

• Folic acid: B12 and folic acid are closely connected and necessary for the synthesis of DNA and RNA. B12 deficiency can mask the deficiency of folic acid, and vice versa. Therefore, it is important to take a sufficient amount of B12 and folic acid during pregnancy in order to prevent the development of defects in the nervous tube in a child.
• Iron: B12 is necessary for the formation of red blood cells, and its deficiency can lead to anemia. Iron is also necessary for the formation of red blood cells, and its deficiency can also lead to anemia. Therefore, it is important to consume a sufficient amount of B12 and iron during pregnancy in order to prevent the development of anemia.
• Calcium: Some studies have shown that calcium can improve B12 absorption. Therefore, it is recommended to consume products rich in calcium, along with products or additives containing B12.

Myths and errors about vitamin B12 and pregnancy

There are several myths and misconceptions about vitamin B12 and pregnancy, which can lead to an incorrect understanding and insufficient concern for the health of the mother and child:

• Myth: Vegetarians do not need to worry about B12 deficiency if they consume dairy products and eggs. True: although dairy products and eggs contain B12, its amount may be insufficient to meet the needs of a pregnant woman. Vegetarians are recommended to take vitamin B12 additives during pregnancy.
• Myth: B12 deficiency is a rare occurrence. True: B12 deficiency is a relatively common phenomenon, especially among vegetarians, vegan, elderly people and people with diseases of the gastrointestinal tract.
• Myth: Vitamin B12 intake in large doses is dangerous. True: Vitamin B12 is a water -soluble vitamin, and its excess is excreted from the body in urine. Reception of B12 in large doses is usually safe, but it is recommended to consult a doctor before taking additives.
• Myth: Analysis on B12 always exactly shows a deficit. True: level B12 in serum can be normal, even if a person has a deficiency at the cellular level. Analysis for homocysteine ​​and methylmalonic acid (MMA) is often more informative.

Modern research on the role of vitamin B12 during pregnancy and the health of the offspring

Modern studies continue to study the role of vitamin B12 during pregnancy and its effect on the health of the offspring. Some of the latest studies show:

• The effect of B12 on the cognitive functions of the child: Studies show that adequate B12 consumption during pregnancy can positively affect the cognitive functions of the child in the future, including memory, attention and speed of information processing.
• The relationship between the deficiency of B12 and the risk of autism: Some studies have discovered a connection between B12 deficiency in the mother during pregnancy and an increased risk of developing autism in a child. However, additional studies are needed to confirm this connection.
• Influence B12 on the metabolic health of the child: Studies show that B12 deficiency during pregnancy can affect the metabolic health of the child and increase the risk of obesity, diabetes and other metabolic diseases in the future.

These studies emphasize the importance of sufficient consumption of vitamin B12 during pregnancy for the optimal development and health of offspring.

Recommendations for pregnant women to maintain the optimal level of B12

To maintain the optimal level of vitamin B12 during pregnancy, it is recommended:

• Balanced nutrition: Include products rich in vitamin B12 in your diet, such as meat, fish, dairy products and eggs.
• Reception of vitamin B12 additives: If you are a vegetarian or vegan, or you have risk factors for B12 deficiency, be sure to take vitamin B12 additives during pregnancy. The recommended dose is 2.6 μg per day.
• Regular screening of vitamin level B12: Discuss with your doctor the need to screening levels B12, especially if you have risk factors for the deficit.
• Contact the doctor when the symptoms of deficiency are B12: If you experience fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, tingling and numbness in the arms and legs, or other symptoms of deficiency B12, consult a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
• Consultation with a doctor before taking additives: Always consult a doctor before taking any additives to make sure that they are safe for you and your child.
• Choose quality additives: When choosing vitamin B12 additives, give preference to reliable manufacturers to ensure the quality and safety of the product.
• Follow the doctor’s recommendations: Follow the recommendations of your doctor regarding the dosage and duration of taking vitamin B12 additives.

Following these recommendations, pregnant women can provide sufficient consumption of vitamin B12 and reduce the risk of deficiency, which, in turn, contributes to the healthy development of the child.