Dietary patterns and vitamin B(12) status of migrant Indian preadolescent girls.

BACKGROUND

Inter-generational dietary patterns are implicated in the development of adult disease and have a critical role in cell division, growth and development.

OBJECTIVE

The assessment of B(12) status in six meat-eating (ME) and six non-meat-eating (NME) 9-11 years old, Tanner stage 1, migrant Indian girls.

DESIGN

B(12) status was assessed by haematology, fasting B(12), folate, methyl malonic acid (MMA) and 7-day-diet-diary analysis.

RESULTS

Red cell and iron measurements were within reference ranges for all girls. Reported B(12) intake correlated with serum B(12) (r=0.74, P=0.006). Serum B(12) was lower in NME girls compared with ME girls (232+/-95 vs 543+/-201 pmol l(-1), P=0.01). Two NME girls were deficient in vitamin B(12) (B(12)<170 pmol l(-1), MMA>0.26 micromol l(-1)). Overall serum B(12) was low (388+/-221 pmol l(-1)) and serum folate intake high (27+/-8 pmol l(-1); 342+/-269 microg day(-1)).

CONCLUSIONS

Asymptomatic B(12) deficiency is present in NME migrant Indian preadolescents in the presence of high folate. Supplementation with B(12) in this group may be necessary to improve future health outcomes.