Effect of Vitamin B12 Supplementation on Hematological and Athropometric Parameters in Children With Severe Acute Malnutrition, Aged 1 to 60 Months in Nutritional Rehabilitation Center (RCT)

Microcytic hypochromic anemia is common in severe acute malnutrition (SAM) children, but macrocytic anemia (vitamin B12/folate deficiency) is not uncommon. Vitamin B12 deficiency leads to anemia and developmental slowing. We looked for the response of vitamin B12 supplementation on hematological and anthropometric parameters in SAM children. All children aged 1 to 60 months with SAM were included and divided in 2 groups. Group A children received vitamin B12 for 6 weeks additionally as compared with Group B. Both groups were followed up at discharge and at 6 weeks for hematological and anthropometric indices. Prevalence of anemia was 79.43%. Peripheral blood smear showed microcytic hypochromic anemia and macrocytic anemia in two-third and one-third, respectively. Vitamin B12 supplementation in SAM children for 6 weeks did not change most of the hematological and anthropometric parameters, but there was significant improvement in weight for age and height for age <i>z</i> scores.