The Impact of Age, Sex, and Socio-Economic Status on Serum Vitamin B12, Folate Concentration and Iron Status in Turkish Children: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of age, sex, and socio-economic status (SES) on concentrations of vitamin B12 (vit-B12), folate, iron, and ferritin through the pediatric age span, and to show the relationship of these nutrients with blood count parameters such as hemoglobin (Hb), hematocrit (Hct), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), and red cell distribution (RDW). Material and Method:The study comprised of 30,504 venous blood samples (54.5% of girls and 45.5% of boys). The study group was stratified; group I: 1-6 years (n=3,870), group II: 7-12 years (n=11,019), and group III: 13-18 years (n=15,615). Serum vit-B12, folate, ferritin, iron and total iron-binding capacity (TIBC) were measured using a Beckman Coulter DXI 800, and the blood count was analyzed using a Sysmex XE 2100 analyzer.Content of this journal is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.Vitamin B12, folate and iron status in Turkish children İstanbul Tıp Fakültesi Dergisi • J Ist Faculty Med and ferritin levels were significantly different between the high and medium SES. Conclusion:The results of this study are important in that the monitorization of ferritin, vit-B12, and folate levels greatly contribute to clinical practice because of the roles of vit-B12, folate, and iron in mental, emotional, and metabolic development.However, there is a need for larger and multicenter studies that can represent the nutrients of Turkish children and adolescents nationwide.

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“…In the most extensive cohort study conducted in our country, involving the analysis of blood samples from 30,504 individuals, no significant correlation was detected between B12 levels and gender [20]. However, smaller-scale cohort studies have indicated a predominance of males [20][21][22][23][24]. In contrast to these findings, our research revealed a prevalence of B12 deficiency among females across all age brackets.…”

“…The rate of 30% in our study is quite close to the 27% reported by Eroğlu et al [20]. This indicates that the results of the first two largest studies with the most extensive dataset in our country are consistent with each other, demonstrating that the rate of B12 supplementation need in Turkey ranges between 27% and 30%.…”

“…Similarly, in another study conducted in Amasya province and published in 2023, the rate of B12 deficiency was determined to be 18% among 240 cases [4]. [20].…”

“…The association between vitamin B12 levels and gender remains a contentious subject in the literature [20][21][22][23][24]. In the most extensive cohort study conducted in our country, involving the analysis of blood samples from 30,504 individuals, no significant correlation was detected between B12 levels and gender [20]. However, smaller-scale cohort studies have indicated a predominance of males [20][21][22][23][24].…”

B12 deficiency in children in Karabük city prevalence and key health insights

“…Similarly, in another study conducted in Amasya province and published in 2023, the rate of B12 deficiency was determined to be 18% among 240 cases [4]. [20].…”