113: Does vegan diet influence levels of vitamin B12, folate and ferritin in the umbilical-cord?

Abstract

As there is limited data concerning the impact of vegan and vegetarian diet on levels of different minerals and nutrients in the umbilical-cord, we aimed to determine the influence of maternal diet on umbilical-cord levels of vitamin B12, folate, ferritin and hemoglobin. A prospective observational study of women with a singleton pregnancy who maintained the same diet for at least 3 months prior to current pregnancy and until delivery (05/2018–06/2019). All women gave birth in a single tertiary university affiliated medical center. Women were divided according to their diet into four categories: (1) vegan, (2) vegetarian, (3) pescatarian and (4) omnivore (regular diet). Eating questionnaires were fulfilled during the 3rd trimester. Maternal blood tests were taken prior to delivery and cord-blood tests were taken immediately after delivery for complete blood count and levels of ferritin, vitamin B12, folate and albumin. 1. Overall, 273 pregnant women met inclusion criteria: 60 vegan, 64 vegetarian, 37 pescatarian and 112 omnivore women. 2. Vegans had lower maternal ferritin levels compared only to pescatarians (27 ± 17 vs 60 ± 74 ng/ml, p = 0.021), but not to vegetarians or omnivores (Table 1). 3. There were no significant differences in the umbilical-cord B12, folate, ferritin and hemoglobin levels between the study groups. 4. In a sub analysis comparing women who consumed multivitamins, B12 and iron supplements during pregnancy to women who did not, there was a significant difference in the level of umbilical-cord B12 (1,002 ± 608 vs 442 ± 151 pg/ml, p = 0.000) and in maternal blood B12 (388 ± 209 vs 219 ± 95 pg/ml, p = 0.030) only among vegans (Table 2). Vegan diet does not change the umbilical-cord levels of B12, folate, ferritin and hemoglobin. Vegan women who do not take any vitamin supplementation are much more affected than omnivores, thus, they should be followed for their B12 levels and encouraged to take vitamin supplementation.View Large Image Figure ViewerDownload Hi-res image Download (PPT)