Work

Effects of Vitamin B 12 and Folate Deficiency on Brain Development in Children

Year: 2008

Type: article

Abstract: Folate deficiency in the periconceptional period contributes to neural tube defects; deficits in vitamin B12 (cobalamin) have negative consequences on the developing brain during infancy; and deficits of both vitamins are associated with a greater risk of depression during adulthood. This review examines two mechanisms linking folate and vitamin B12 deficiency to abnormal behavior and development in infants: disruptions to myelination and inflammatory processes. Future investigations should focus on the relationship between the timing of deficient and marginal vitamin B12 status and outcomes such as infant growth, cognition, social development, and depressive symptoms, along with prevention of folate and vitamin B12 deficiency.

Source: Food and Nutrition Bulletin

DOI: 10.1177/15648265080292s117

Author: Maureen M. Black

Institution: University of Maryland, Baltimore

Language: English

Topic: Folate and B Vitamins Research

Subfield: Rheumatology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Zero hunger

Open Access status: green

Funder: Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development