The risk of folate and vitamin B(12) deficiencies associated with hyperhomocysteinemia among pregnant women

Am J Perinatol. 2004 Nov;21(8):469-75. doi: 10.1055/s-2004-835964.

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the folate and vitamin B (12) levels in pregnant and nonpregnant women to evaluate the risk for hyperhomocysteinemia and for folate and vitamin B (12) deficiencies during pregnancy. Healthy pregnant women (n = 92; 24 to 28 gestational weeks; 18 to 39 years old) and nonpregnant women (n = 176; 18 to 39 years old) were sampled for serum levels of folate, vitamin B (12), and homocysteine. Pregnant women were less likely to have folate deficiency (8.0% versus 12.0%) but much more likely to have vitamin B (12) deficiency (46.1% versus 0.6%) than nonpregnant women. Those with lower dietary vitamin intakes were more likely to have vitamin B (12) deficiency. Serum folate and vitamin B (12) were negatively correlated with homocysteine among pregnant women. Pregnant women with folate deficiency were more likely to have hyperhomocysteinemia than those without folate deficiency. The vitamin B (12) level associated with hyperhomocysteinemia was lower in pregnant subjects than in nonpregnant subjects in this study, indicating that pregnant women require vitamin B (12) supplementation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Female
  • Folic Acid / blood
  • Folic Acid Deficiency / blood
  • Folic Acid Deficiency / epidemiology*
  • Folic Acid Deficiency / etiology
  • Homocysteine / blood
  • Humans
  • Hyperhomocysteinemia / blood
  • Hyperhomocysteinemia / epidemiology*
  • Hyperhomocysteinemia / etiology
  • Korea / epidemiology
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications / blood
  • Pregnancy Complications / epidemiology*
  • Pregnancy Complications / etiology
  • Risk Factors
  • Vitamin B 12 / blood
  • Vitamin B 12 Deficiency / blood
  • Vitamin B 12 Deficiency / epidemiology*
  • Vitamin B 12 Deficiency / etiology

Substances

  • Homocysteine
  • Folic Acid
  • Vitamin B 12