Vitamin B12, also known as cyanocobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin that is distinctive from other vitamins because it contains cobalt. Although required in minute amounts, the human body needs a constant supply of this essential nutrient. Vitamin B12 is readily available in all kinds of meats, fish, eggs and dairy products, but is absent in a pure vegan diet. Babies born to vegan mothers may have low vitamin B12 levels at birth and may require vitamin B12 supplements.
Absorption of Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 from food becomes available for absorption after the gastric acid in the stomach disassociates it from the protein food to which it is bound. The free vitamin B12 binds to the intrinsic factor (IF) secreted by cells in the stomach. This IF-vitamin B12 compound is absorbed in the small intestine. A decrease in the production of gastric acid or IF will affect your ability to absorb vitamin B12. However, the vitamin B12 present in fortified foods does not need IF but is simply absorbed through the small intestine.
Vitamin B12 in Newborn Babies
During pregnancy, the growing baby receives vitamin B12 from its mother through the placenta. Full-term infants born to mothers with adequate intake of vitamin B12 have enough stores of vitamin B12 for the first few weeks of life. A low intake of vitamin B12 during pregnancy results in low vitamin B12 stores in newborns. A maternal digestive problem that inhibits vitamin B12 absorption can also lower vitamin B12 supply to infants. Babies with low vitamin B12 stores may display symptoms of deficiency shortly after birth.
Vitamin B12 in Breastfed Babies
After birth, babies depend on breast milk for a constant supply of vitamin B12. Levels of vitamin B12 in breast milk are in turn dependent on the continuous intake of vitamin B12-rich foods by the mother. An inadequate consumption of vitamin B12-rich foods or a digestive problem will inhibit maternal vitamin B12 absorption and thus affect supply to the infant. These infants display symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency that requires supplement.
Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Babies
Infants are healthy and do not show symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency until all the body stores are used. On a continued diet of low vitamin B12 in the first year of life, infants fail to grow normally, are lethargic, may not use their muscles effectively and also show signs of macrocytic anemia. These babies need vitamin B12 supplements for normal growth and development.
References
- VeganHealth.org; Vitamin B12: Are You getting It?: Vegan Infants and Toddlers; Jack Norris, R.D.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Vitamin B12 Deficiency; June 29, 2009
- National Institute of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin B12
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center; About Herbs: Vitamin B12; March 24, 2011
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