Pregnancy of Vitamin B12 in details
Vitamin B12 has been assigned to pregnancy category C by the FDA. Studies have revealed a progressive decline in the maternal serum level and an increase in the urinary excretion of vitamin B12 during pregnancy. The fetus has been shown to concentrate vitamin B12 since fetal cord serum levels are approximately three times maternal values. In view of a demonstrated increase in urinary excretion of vitamin B12 during pregnancy, the recommended daily allowance (RDA) during pregnancy includes the addition of 1 mcg/day above the basal requirement of 3 mcg/day.
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Vitamin B12 breastfeeding
In animals, vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with teratogenic effects. Methylmalonic aciduria, homocystinuria, megaloblastic anemia and neurologic abnormalities have been reported in breast-fed infants whose mothers were strict vegetarians. In general, severe maternal vitamin B12 deficiency may result in megaloblastic anemia with subsequent infertility and poor pregnancy outcomes. Milk concentrations are proportional to the daily intake of the vitamin. Women given daily doses of 1 to 200 micrograms/day had milk levels increase from a level of 79 pg/mL to 100 pg/mL. In a study using 8 micrograms/day of Vitamin B12, mean milk levels of 1650 pg.mL at 1 week and 1100 pg/mL at 6 weeks were measured. Corresponding levels in unsupplemented mothers were 1220 and 610 pg./mL, respectively.
Vitamin B12 is excreted into human milk. Vitamin B12 is considered compatible with breast-feeding by the American Academy of Pediatrics
See references
References for pregnancy information
- Berkowitz R, Coustan D, Mochizuki T. "Handbook for Prescribing Medications During Pregnancy. 2nd ed." Boston, MA: Little, Brown, and Company (1986): 242
References for breastfeeding information
- Berkowitz R, Coustan D, Mochizuki T. "Handbook for Prescribing Medications During Pregnancy. 2nd ed." Boston, MA: Little, Brown, and Company (1986): 242
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Information checked by Dr. Sachin Kumar, MD Pharmacology
