Journal of AdvancedMedical and Dental Sciences Research

Background: Adequate vitamin B12 status during pregnancy is critical since maternal vitamin B12 deficiency is associated with increased risk for several adverse pregnancy outcomes for both mother and fetus. The present study was conducted to assess vitamin B 12 level among pregnant women. Materials & Methods: 140 pregnant women were enrolled. In each subject, 5 ml of venous blood was collected for biochemical analysis. Hemoglobin concentration was determined by colorimetric analysis of lysed whole blood using the Hemoglobin B test kit. Total vitamin B12 was measured using the IMMULITE 2500. Results: 20 patients were in first trimester, 70 in second and 50 in third trimester. The mean age was 24.5 years, 26.3 years and 28.2 years in first, second and third trimester respectively. The mean height was 158.4 cm, 159.4 cm and 161.2 cm in first, second and third trimester respectively. The mean hemoglobin level in first trimester was 112.4 g/L, in second trimester was 106.5 g/L and in third trimester was 105.2 g/L. The mean Vitamin B12 level in first trimester was 328.6 pmol/L, in second trimester was 198.2 pmol/L and in third trimester was 165.3 pmol/L. The mean serum folate level in first trimester was 28.4 pmol/L, in second trimester was 19.3 pmol/L and in third trimester was 15.1 pmol/L. Conclusion: Authors found that vitamin B- 12 level was lowered in pregnant women in third trimester, hence there is need of additional oral supplement. Key words: Oral supplement, Trimester, Vitamin B- 12.