Comparison of Maternal Folate, Vitamin B12 and Homocysteine among SGA (Small for Gestational Age) and AGA (Appropriate for Gestational Age) Mothers

Abstract Objective: To compare the levels of folate, vitamin B12 and homocysteine in mothers of SGA and AGA babies. Methodology: In this case-control study, mothers of SGA and AGA babies were recruited from different Basic Health Units and Rural Health Units of Peshawar and Charsadda from October, 2020 to June, 2021. Mothers of SGA babies (cases n=38) were compared with mothers of AGA babies (controls n=39) on the bases of maternal folate, vitamin B12 and homocysteine levels. Results: SGA mothers were significantly shorter in height than AGA mothers. Weight of SGA babies was also significantly less than AGA babies (p=0.001). In terms of calories, the total energy intake of SGA mothers along with vitamins and minerals was significantly lower than AGA mothers. Differences in the levels of serum folate of both the groups were found insignificant while levels of vitamin B12 and homocysteine were significantly higher in AGA babies(p=0.0001, p=0.001 respectively). Conclusion: Mothers from both the groups were malnourished on the basis of lower energy intake. Folate levels were normal in both the groups. Vitamin B12 levels were higher in SGA mothers than AGA mothers while AGA mothers were closer to borderline deficiency. Homocysteine levels were higher in SGA mothers than AGA mothers. Keywords: Small for Gestational age, Appropriate for Gestational age, folate, vitamin B12, homocysteine