Vitamin B12 deficiency in an infant with neurological and hematological findings: A case report

Abstract

Key Clinical Message It is important for pregnant and breastfeeding women who adhere to a strict vegetarian diet to take appropriate steps to avoid vitamin B12 deficiency in their infants. Abstract Vitamin B12 deficiency is rare during infancy. The initial symptoms of this deficiency are subtle and may include irritability, failure to thrive with a decline in growth rate, apathy, anorexia, refusal of solid foods, megaloblastic anemia, and developmental regression. The case presented here involves an 8‐month‐old male infant who showed neurological symptoms such as decreased activity, increased drowsiness, and reduced interaction with parents, which were ultimately linked to a deficiency of cobalamin (vitamin B12). Early recognition of this condition is critical because it is reversible. Therefore, pregnant and lactating women who follow a strict vegetarian diet should take necessary measures to prevent vitamin B12 deficiency in infants.

Keywords

• cobalamin
• early childhood
• infant
• neurological symptoms
• vitamin B12