Methylcobalamin In Pregnancy

A mother-to-be

Methylcobalamin is a form of Vitamin B12, a vitamin that has strong effects on the brain and nervous system while also being important for cell growth and reproduction. Adequate intake of the drug is especially important for pregnant women, as a severe deficiency can have disastrous consequences on the developing nervous system of a fetus, yet be difficult to detect.

Uses

In the body, methylcobalamin is used in a variety of processes, including: the production of red and white blood cells, the regeneration of RNA and DNA, the conversion of fats, carbohydrates, and protein to energy, the synthesizing of proteins and fats, nerve cell and sheath maintenance, methylations (a type of chemical reaction affecting DNA expression), brain function maintenance, choline synthesis, maintenance of epithelial and mucous membrane cells, maintenance of normal bone marrow, and maintenance of a normal gastrointestinal tract.

RDA

The Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) of methylcobalamin for pregnant women is slightly higher than that for ordinary adults. Pregnant women should consume at least 2.6 mcg per day, while most adults can maintain good health with 2.4 mcg per day. The RDA for pregnant women can usually be satisfied through a well-balanced diet.

Effects of Deficiency

Though mild cases of Vitamin B12 deficiency during pregnancy do not pose a dangerous risk of birth defects, more severe cases of deficiency do. There is evidence that a serious methylcobalamin deficiency may have an effect similar to folic acid deficiency, causing neural tube defects in the fetus (defects of the brain and spinal cord). Deficiency may also cause infertility, recurrent miscarriages and preterm birth.

Deficiency Prevention

Vitamin B12 deficiency can be avoided by most pregnant women through simply eating a healthy, well-rounded diet. Some conditions, such as intestinal malabsorption or low thyroid function, can cause a deficiency even though the woman eats a vitamin-rich diet. Moreover, the folic acid supplements commonly taken during pregnancy can make a B12 deficiency difficult to detect. Consequently, pregnant women are encouraged to take prenatal vitamins, which normally contain high levels of Vitamin B12, to ensure adequate intake of methylcobalamin. In some extreme cases, treating and preventing deficiency may require B12 supplements or injections.

Sources

The best sources for methylcobalamin are animal products, such as kidney, liver, brain, heart, milk, beef, egg yolk, clams, oysters, salmon and herring. Vegetarians should therefore be especially vigilant of possible deficiency.

Tags: pregnant women, deficiency have, difficult detect, during pregnancy, folic acid, maintenance normal