B12 Deficiency in Children Linked to Lower Cognitive Ability

28 Mar 2017 --- Low levels of vitamin B12 as a child may impact their cognitive level as they grow up, new research has found. In a recent study, children with lower levels had more difficulties solving cognitive tests, such as the ability to do puzzles, recognize letters and interpret other children’s feelings. 

“Poor B12 status as a baby was associated with a decrease in test scores at 5 years of age,” reports first author, Ingrid Kvestad at Uni Research in Bergen, Norway and colleagues in a new study.

“Our results clearly demonstrate associations between early vitamin B12 status and various measures on development and cognitive functioning, as for example the ability to interpret complex geometrical figures, and the ability to recognize other children`s emotions,” says Kvestad.

The study also suggests that vitamin B12 deficiency impair, or possibly delays, brain development in small children.

“The number of children in low-income countries that do not develop according to their potential is large.”

“Our results indicate that correcting children`s vitamin B12 status early may be one measure to secure a healthy development for these vulnerable children.”

“We are currently in the process of confirming our results in randomized controlled trials,” says Kvestad Kvestad’s colleauge Mari Hysing at Uni Research is among the study co-authors.

The findings could spark potential for the supplement industry. According to Innova Market insights, launches of supplements containing B12 increased 8% from 2015 to 2016, suggesting that the market for this vitamin is on the up, regardless.

In low-income countries, and in particular in South Asia where many eat limited amounts of meat and other animal products, poor vitamin B12 status is prevalent.

Previous findings indicate that vitamin B12 is important for the developing brain. The researchers collected blood from 500 infants in Bhaktapur, Nepal, and measured their B12 status. Approximately 5 years later they contacted 320 of these children and conducted various developmental and cognitive tests.

“Most of the Nepalese children participating in the study did not have severely low levels of vitamin B12, but their levels were suboptimal, below the recommendations for best possible growth and development,” says Kvestad.

“It’s like a hidden deficiency of the vitamin in these children’s bodies, making their cells work rigorously to signalize imminent danger.”

“Our study is one contribution in the big puzzle to understand the implications low B12 levels might have on small children’s cognitive development,” says Kvestad.