Interventions with vitamins B6, B12 and C in pregnancy

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#ascorbic-acid #ascorbic-acid-deficiency #birth-weight #child-welfare #child-preschool

Interventions with vitamins B6, B12 and C in pregnancy

Dror et al., 2012 | Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol | Meta Analysis

Citation

Dror Daphna K, Allen Lindsay H. Interventions with vitamins B6, B12 and C in pregnancy. Paediatr Perinat Epidemiol. 2012-Jul;26 Suppl 1:55-74. doi:10.1111/j.1365-3016.2012.01277.x

Abstract

The water-soluble vitamins B6, B12 and C play important roles in maternal health as well as fetal development and physiology during gestation. This systematic review evaluates the risks and benefits of interventions with vitamins B6, B12 and C during pregnancy on maternal, neonatal and child health and nutrition outcomes. Relevant publications were identified by searching PubMed, Popline and Web of Science databases. Meta-analyses were conducted for outcomes where results from at least three controlled trials were available. Potential benefits of vitamin B6 supplementation were reduction in nausea and vomiting, improvement in dental health, and treatment of some cases of anaemia. In meta-analysis based on three small studies, vitamin B6 supplementation had a significant positive effect on birthweight (d = 217 g [95% confidence interval (CI) 130, 304]). Interventions with vitamin C alone or combined with vitamin E did not systematically reduce the incidence of pre-eclampsia, premature rupture of membranes, or other adverse pregnancy outcomes. In meta-analyses, vitamins C and E increased the risk of pregnancy-related hypertension (relative risk 1.10 [95% CI 1.02, 1.19]). Effects of vitamin B6 or C intervention on other neonatal outcomes, including preterm birth, low birthweight, and perinatal morbidity and mortality, were not significant. Data on child health outcomes were lacking. Despite the prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency amongst populations with limited intake of animal source foods, no intervention trials have evaluated vitamin B12 supplementation before or during pregnancy. In conclusion, existing evidence does not justify vitamin C supplementation during pregnancy. Additional studies are needed to confirm positive effects of vitamin B6 supplementation on infant birthweight and other outcomes. While vitamin B12 supplementation may reduce the incidence of neural tube defects in the offspring based on theoretical considerations, research is needed to support this hypothesis.

Key Findings

While vitamin B12 supplementation may reduce the incidence of neural tube defects in the offspring based on theoretical considerations, research is needed to support this hypothesis.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

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

MeSH Terms

  • Ascorbic Acid
  • Ascorbic Acid Deficiency
  • Birth Weight
  • Child Welfare
  • Child, Preschool
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
  • Maternal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
  • Maternal Welfare
  • Pre-Eclampsia
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications
  • Pregnancy Outcome
  • Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
  • Vitamin B 12
  • Vitamin B 12 Deficiency
  • Vitamin B 6
  • Vitamin B 6 Deficiency

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: vitamin-c

Provenance

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