Investigation of the Relationship Between Maternal & Neonatal Vitamin B12 Deficiency and Neonatal Hyperbilirubinemia: A Prospective Controlled Study

Introduction: The aim in this study was to investigate the role of vitamin B12 deficiency in neonatal hyperbilirubinemia. Materials and Methods: Term newborns who were breastfed and with hyperbilirubinemia were included in this prospective study. Those with hyperbilirubinemia were assigned to a patient group, and those without hyperbilirubinemia were assigned to a control group. The vitamin B12 levels of all newborns and their mothers were checked. Results: A total of 154 newborns were included in the study. Vitamin B12 deficiency was significantly higher in the patient group in comparison to the control group. Similarly, vitamin B12 levels of mothers were significantly lower in the patient group. The mean bilirubin level and phototherapy need were found to be significantly higher in patients with vitamin B12 deficiency. Conclusion: This study showed that vitamin B12 deficiency in the mother is related to vitamin B12 deficiency in the newborn, which significantly leads to neonatal hyperbilirubinemia.