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Dietary patterns and vitamin B12 status of migrant Indian preadolescent girls

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 63, pages 585–587 (2009)Cite this article

Abstract

Background:

Inter-generational dietary patterns are implicated in the development of adult disease and have a critical role in cell division, growth and development.

Objective:

The assessment of B12 status in six meat-eating (ME) and six non-meat-eating (NME) 9–11 years old, Tanner stage 1, migrant Indian girls.

Design:

B12 status was assessed by haematology, fasting B12, folate, methyl malonic acid (MMA) and 7-day-diet-diary analysis.

Results:

Red cell and iron measurements were within reference ranges for all girls. Reported B12 intake correlated with serum B12 (r=0.74, P=0.006). Serum B12 was lower in NME girls compared with ME girls (232±95 vs 543±201 pmol l−1, P=0.01). Two NME girls were deficient in vitamin B12 (B12<170 pmol l−1, MMA>0.26 μmol l−1). Overall serum B12 was low (388±221 pmol l−1) and serum folate intake high (27±8 pmol l−1; 342±269 μg day−1).

Conclusions:

Asymptomatic B12 deficiency is present in NME migrant Indian preadolescents in the presence of high folate. Supplementation with B12 in this group may be necessary to improve future health outcomes.

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Acknowledgements

We thank the participants and their families for their co operation, the Canterbury District Health Board Laboratory for MMA determination and Dr Lindsay Plank for the storage of the samples.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Centre for Physical Activity and Nutrition Research, Auckland University of Technology, Auckland, New Zealand

    E C Rush, P Chhichhia & E Hinckson

  2. The Aids Support Organisation (TASO) Uganda Limited, Kampala, Uganda

    C Nabiryo

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  1. E C Rush
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  2. P Chhichhia
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  3. E Hinckson
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  4. C Nabiryo
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Correspondence to E C Rush.

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The authors have no conflicts of interest, industrial links or affiliations.

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Rush, E., Chhichhia, P., Hinckson, E. et al. Dietary patterns and vitamin B12 status of migrant Indian preadolescent girls. Eur J Clin Nutr 63, 585–587 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602972

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