PGI study shows Vitamin B12 vital for infant brain development

A recent study by researchers at the Advanced Paediatrics Centre of Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGI) underscores the crucial role of Vitamin B12 in early brain development.

The study, titled Neurological Consequences of Infantile Vitamin B12 Deficiency, was published in the journal Pediatric Neurology and offers evidence-based insights for parents, healthcare professionals, and policymakers to improve child health outcomes across India.

The research analysed 141 infants diagnosed with Vitamin B12 deficiency, using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and standardised developmental assessment tools, Indian Express reported.

Following treatment, the infants demonstrated rapid improvements in alertness and developmental progress, reinforcing Vitamin B12’s therapeutic value. However, the study cautions that while early intervention can reverse many effects, deficits related to cognition, learning, and behaviour may persist in some cases.

One of the lead authors, Prof Naveen Sankhyam of PGI, explained that Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin essential for critical physiological functions, including red blood cell production, DNA synthesis, and nervous system health.

It plays a key role in myelin formation—the protective covering of nerve fibres—which is vital for efficient nerve transmission. This function is particularly important during infancy, when the brain undergoes rapid growth marked by neural development, cognitive advancement, and motor skill acquisition.

A deficiency during this sensitive phase can disrupt these processes, leading to developmental delays with potential long-term effects on intelligence, learning capacity, and physical abilities.

In adults, adequate Vitamin B12 levels are necessary to maintain energy, emotional well-being, and cardiovascular health by preventing anaemia and supporting neural function.

The study highlights Vitamin B12 deficiency as a widespread nutritional concern in India. Community surveys show high prevalence among pregnant women, children, and vegetarians.

With a population of 1.4 billion, India has the world’s largest vegetarian community. While lacto-vegetarian foods such as milk (approximately 0.5 mcg per 250 ml), curd, paneer, and cheese provide some B12, these amounts are often inadequate, particularly in poor-quality diets or among strict vegans.

India’s cultural and dietary practices further heighten the need for awareness. Natural sources of bioavailable Vitamin B12—such as meat, fish, and poultry—are absent from vegetarian diets, making supplementation or food fortification essential.

The risk is especially high for exclusively breastfed infants born to B12-deficient mothers, as prolonged exclusive breastfeeding beyond six months without maternal correction can compromise brain development.

While economic constraints limit dietary diversity for many families, the study notes that Vitamin B12 deficiency is not confined to low-income groups; even middle-class households are affected.

Clinically, infantile Vitamin B12 deficiency was associated with delayed or regressing developmental milestones, lethargy, and anaemia. In more severe cases, infants exhibited skin darkening and light-coloured hair, and untreated cases progressed to tremors.

Notably, most affected infants were not underweight, often leading to a false perception of good health. Nearly 60 per cent showed reduced brain volume, reflected in poor head growth.