Journal of Pharmaceutical Research International

Background: Folate and Vitamin B₁₂ are important micronutrients necessary for fetal growth and development. Deficiencies of these vitamins in women of reproductive age results in adverse pregnancy outcome.

Objective: To determine red blood cell folate and serum Vitamin B₁₂ levels in apparently healthy women of reproductive age group.

Methodology: The study was conducted in Baqai medical university, Karachi. Apparently healthy volunteer women (N=196) between ages of 15 and 49 years residing in different areas of Karachi were selected after fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The cut off values for defining Vitamin B₁₂ deficiency, marginal insufficiency and folate insufficiency were <203 pg/mL, 203-299 pg/mL, and <400 ng/mL, respectively. Analysis of red blood cell folate and serum vitamin B₁₂ levels was done after complete blood count and peripheral smear morphology.

Results: The mean serum vitamin B₁₂ and red blood cell folate levels were 233.69 ± 54.10 pg/mL and 540.34 ± 54.04 ng/mL. Percent values of Vitamin B₁₂ deficiency and marginal insufficiency were 42% and 46%. All of the study participants had red blood cell folate levels >400 pg/mL. A significant negative association was present between age and serum vitamin B₁₂ levels.

Conclusion: Low serum levels of vitamin B₁₂ in women of reproductive age group can be considered an important etiologic factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes especially neural tube defects. The need is to asses pre-conceptional level of vitamin B₁₂ and to implement public health program especially food fortification to improve vitamin B₁₂ status.