Evaluation of vitamin B₁₂ values at time of diagnosis in 0- to 36-month-old children with food allergies

Objectives: The relationship between food allergies and vitamin B₁₂ deficiency in young children remains unclear despite extensive studies on the nutritional status of affected children. The aim of this study was to compare vitamin B₁₂ levels in children with recently diagnosed food allergies and healthy children ages 0 to 36 mo.

Methods: A retrospective study at Başkent University Hospital analyzed 773 patients ages 0 to 36 mo. Participants were divided into two groups: food allergy and healthy. Vitamin B₁₂ deficiency (<300 ng/mL) was assessed using χ² tests and regression analyses.

Results: The sample comprised 773 children ages 0 to 36 mo, with a mean age of 16 ± 9 mo (range: 1-36). Among the participants, 399 (52%) were healthy children, whereas 374 (48%) had food allergies. The prevalence of vitamin B₁₂ deficiency was higher in children with food allergies (38%) than in healthy children (21%; P < 0.001). According to both univariate and multivariate regression analyses, formula feeding showed a negative association with vitamin B₁₂ deficiency (β = -0.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.35-0.97; P = 0.038). On the other hand, having allergic diseases (β = 0.69; 95% CI, 0.30-0.83; P = 0.040) and breastfeeding for <6 mo (β = 1.35; 95% CI, 1.41-10.50-0.50; P = 0.009) exhibited a positive association with vitamin B₁₂ deficiency.

Conclusion: Food-allergic children ages 0 to 36 mo were at higher risk for vitamin B₁₂ deficiency. Formula feeding had a protective effect, whereas allergic diseases and breastfeeding for <6 mo were risk factors. Further investigation is needed to understand the underlying mechanisms. Monitoring B₁₂ levels and interventions are crucial for the nutritional well-being of food-allergic children.