Low maternal vitamin B(12) is a risk factor for neural tube defects: a meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#female #geography #humans #infant-newborn #maternal-nutritional-physiological-phenomena

Low maternal vitamin B(12) is a risk factor for neural tube defects: a meta-analysis

Wang et al., 2012 | J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med | Meta Analysis

Citation

Wang Zhi-Ping, Shang Xiao-Xiao, Zhao Zhong-Tang. Low maternal vitamin B(12) is a risk factor for neural tube defects: a meta-analysis. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2012-Apr;25(4):389-94. doi:10.3109/14767058.2011.580800

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to assess whether low level of maternal vitamin B(12) is associated with an increased risk of fetal neural tube defects (NTDs), in order to contribute to research on further reduction of NTDs under a background of mandatory folic acid (FA) fortification. METHODS: A meta-analysis was conducted. We retrieved and evaluated the studies published on the risk of low level of maternal vitamin B(12) for NTDs. The homogeneity of the studies was examined using the forest graph. Meta-analysis was applied to calculate the odds ratio (OR) of fetal NTDs in relation to low maternal B(12) and its 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: We identified nine published articles including 567 cases and 1566 controls in the meta-analysis. All the studies selected were homogeneous according to the forest graph (χ(2) = 15.05, P < 0.1). The estimated OR value of fetal NTDs in relation to low maternal B(12) was 2.41 (95% CI: 1.90-3.06). CONCLUSION: Low maternal B(12) status could be an important risk factor for the development of fetal NTDs. The addition of synthetic B(12) to current recommendations for periconceptional FA tablet supplements or FA-fortified foods should be considered.

Key Findings

We identified nine published articles including 567 cases and 1566 controls in the meta-analysis. All the studies selected were homogeneous according to the forest graph (χ(2) = 15.05, P < 0.1). The estimated OR value of fetal NTDs in relation to low maternal B(12) was 2.41 (95% CI: 1.90-3.06).

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size See abstract
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Female
  • Geography
  • Humans
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
  • Maternal-Fetal Exchange
  • Neural Tube Defects
  • Nutritional Status
  • Odds Ratio
  • Pregnancy
  • Risk Factors
  • Vitamin B 12
  • Vitamin B 12 Deficiency

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis
  • Vertical: vitamin-b12

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09