Vitamin B12 consumed by nursing mothers can change the trajectory of their babies’ brain development. The Jan 31, 2003 issue of the CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly report told the story of a 15-month-old toddler with developmental delay caused by vitamin B12 deficiency. She improved some after receiving the vitamin, but was still delayed. The story of a 2 ½ -year-old boy had a happier ending, with almost complete recovery. In these stories, both mothers were vegetarians with vegan diets, who did not take a multivitamin while nursing. A vegetarian diet can be a very healthy choice, but it is especially important for pregnant and nursing mothers to be sure to get B12, either in what they eat or as a supplement. A healthy diet, with a multivitamin as a safety net, can help give your baby a great start!

Alan Greene MD FAAP

February 7, 2003

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