Prevalence of Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Malnourished Children: A Cross-Sectional Study
The objective of this research paper is to determine the frequency of Vitamin B12 deficiency in malnourished children presenting in outpatient clinics in a Pediatrics Department and to identify associated risk factors using a cross-sectional study design. The research was carried out at the Depart...
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| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Liaquat National Hospital and Medical College
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Liaquat National Journal of Primary Care |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://journals.lnh.edu.pk/lnjpc/pdf/2354349c-7182-430e-8c39-cd26e59df19c.pdf |
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| Summary: | The objective of this research paper is to determine the frequency of Vitamin B12 deficiency in malnourished children presenting in
outpatient clinics in a Pediatrics Department and to identify associated risk factors using a cross-sectional study design. The research
was carried out at the Department of Pediatrics, Dr. Ruth Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi, for 6 months from 22-01-2020 to 21-07-2020.
All pediatric patients, aged 6 to 60 months of either gender, either visiting and/or admitted to the Department of Pediatrics, Civil
Hospital, were evaluated. Blood samples were obtained from 91 malnourished patients to measure Vitamin B12 levels. Forty-two
(46%) children were found to be Vitamin B12 deficient. Children younger than 15 months (19%) and those aged 36 to 60 months
(55%) had a high prevalence of Vitamin B12 deficiency. Mean Vitamin B12 levels were136.93±93.23pg/ml. The Regression analysis
showed a significant relationship of Vitamin B12 deficiency with socioeconomic status and dominant breastfeeding, (p-value < 0.05).
Malnourished children have a higher frequency of vitamin B12 deficiency. Public health initiatives should emphasize balanced feeding
practices, combining breastfeeding with adequate complementary foods rich in Vitamin B12. |
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| ISSN: | 2707-3521 2708-9134 |