Evaluation of low serum vitamin B₁₂ in the non-anaemic pregnant patient

Low serum vitamin B₁₂ concentrations in pregnancy may not indicate true megaloblastic anaemia. In the present study we compared biochemical indices of vitamin B₁₂ deficiency (serum homocysteine and urine methylmalonic acid) in non-anaemic pregnant women with and without low serum vitamin B₁₂ concentrations. The groups were matched for age, parity and gestational age. No differences were found, and all values were within normal range. These results suggest that the measurement of low serum B₁₂ concentrations in pregnant women should be followed by analysis at the biochemical level before vitamin B₁₂ injections are started.