Relationship between vitamin B12 levels and motor development: A systematic review

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#humans #vitamin-b-12 #dietary-supplements #infant #child-development

Relationship between vitamin B12 levels and motor development: A systematic review

Dos et al., 2024 | Clin Nutr ESPEN | Systematic Review

Citation

Dos Santos Maria Eduarda Rodrigues Alves, da Silva Karollainy Gomes, ... Barros Waleska Maria Almeida. Relationship between vitamin B12 levels and motor development: A systematic review. Clin Nutr ESPEN. 2024-Oct;63:148-156. doi:10.1016/j.clnesp.2024.06.026

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Nutrition plays a crucial role in the development and health of the human brain, from early stages to adulthood. The complex process of neurodevelopment necessitates interaction among various factors, with balance in the concentration of vital macronutrients and micronutrients being essential. Regarding micronutrients, vitamin B12 stands out, playing a vital role in the development and functioning of the motor nervous system. The objective was to investigate the influence of reduced levels of vitamin B12 on infant motor development and analyze the effects of supplementation on this aspect of development. METHODS: For this purpose, the criteria of the PRISMA method and registration in the PROSPERO database were used. The search was conducted in the following databases: PubMed (Medline), Scopus, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect. A total of 684 records were initially identified. RESULTS: Of the eight included articles, there was diversity regarding geographical contexts and study designs. The final sample comprised a total of 1,559 participants of both sexes. Studies aimed at correcting low levels of vitamin B12 opted for supplementation, following various protocols that varied in dose, administration method, and duration. At the end of the studies, the serum level of this vitamin ranged from 131 pmol/L to 1141 pmol/L. CONCLUSION: There is a complex array of factors contributing to reduced levels of vitamin B12, especially in the early stages of life, which significantly impacts infant motor development. Despite methodological variations among studies, evidence suggests that low levels of vitamin B12 may affect motor development and that supplementation could be an effective means of enhancing motor aspects in healthy children. However, due to the diversity of outcomes, it is important to promote comprehensive public policies to encourage appropriate interventions in this area.

Key Findings

Of the eight included articles, there was diversity regarding geographical contexts and study designs. The final sample comprised a total of 1,559 participants of both sexes. Studies aimed at correcting low levels of vitamin B12 opted for supplementation, following various protocols that varied in dose, administration method, and duration. At the end of the studies, the serum level of this vitamin ranged from 131 pmol/L to 1141 pmol/L.

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population healthy children
Sample Size 1559
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Vitamin B 12
  • Dietary Supplements
  • Infant
  • Child Development
  • Vitamin B 12 Deficiency
  • Female
  • Male
  • Nutritional Status
  • Motor Skills

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: vitamin-b12

Provenance

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