Evaluation of vitamin B 12 values at time of diagnosis in 0- to 36-month-old children with food allergies.

OBJECTIVES: The relationship between food allergies and vitamin B12 deficiency in young children remains unclear despite extensive studies on the nutritional status of affected children. The aim of this study was to compare vitamin B12 levels in children with recently diagnosed food allergies and healthy children ages 0 to 36 mo.

METHODS: A retrospective study at Başkent University Hospital analyzed 773 patients ages 0 to 36 mo. Participants were divided into two groups: food allergy and healthy. Vitamin B12 deficiency (<300 ng/mL) was assessed using χ2 tests and regression analyses.

RESULTS: The sample comprised 773 children ages 0 to 36 mo, with a mean age of 16 ± 9 mo (range: 1-36). Among the participants, 399 (52%) were healthy children, whereas 374 (48%) had food allergies. The prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency was higher in children with food allergies (38%) than in healthy children (21%; P < 0.001). According to both univariate and multivariate regression analyses, formula feeding showed a negative association with vitamin B12 deficiency (β = -0.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.35-0.97; P = 0.038). On the other hand, having allergic diseases (β = 0.69; 95% CI, 0.30-0.83; P = 0.040) and breastfeeding for <6 mo (β = 1.35; 95% CI, 1.41-10.50-0.50; P = 0.009) exhibited a positive association with vitamin B12 deficiency.

CONCLUSION: Food-allergic children ages 0 to 36 mo were at higher risk for vitamin B12 deficiency. Formula feeding had a protective effect, whereas allergic diseases and breastfeeding for <6 mo were risk factors. Further investigation is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms. Monitoring B12 levels and interventions are crucial for the nutritional well-being of food-allergic children.