Abstract

Nutrient deficiencies during pregnancy may affect offspring development. We aim to examine the association between prenatal vitamin B12 intake and children's cognitive development. A total of 5151 mother-child pairs from the Czech part of ELSPAC study were included in the analysis. Dietary information was obtained during pregnancy using food frequency questionnaire. Parents reported on their child's speech and language development at 18months, 3, 5 and 7years. Intelligence quotient (IQ) was measured at 8years in subcohort of 854 children. Children of mothers with higher vitamin B12 intake demonstrated higher scores in language (B=0.20, 95% CI 0.06, 0.34) and talking and understanding (B=2.39, 95% CI 0.97, 3.80) in a fully adjusted model at 18months. Additionally, they were more likely to get maximum points in the intelligibility test at age 3 (OR=1.05, 95% CI 1.01, 1.09) in unadjusted model, however, not in fully adjusted model. We found a positive effect of higher vitamin B12 intake on verbal IQ (B=1.08, 95% CI 0.09, 2.08). We identified consistent associations between prenatal vitamin B12 intake and children's cognitive development. The results suggest that inadequate vitamin B12 during pregnancy may negatively affect children's cognitive development, particularly in speech and language.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.