(P17-060-23) The Effect of Daily B12 Supplementation on the Incidence of Common Childhood Infections in Nepal: Secondary Outcomes From a Double Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

Objectives: Vitamin B₁₂ deficiency is common and affects cell division and differentiation, erythropoiesis, and white blood cells. This study aimed to measure the effect of daily supplementation of vitamin B₁₂ for one year on the incidence of common infections in infants at risk of deficiency.

Methods: This is a community-based, individually randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in low-to-middle-income neighborhoods in Bhaktapur, Nepal. We randomized 600 marginally stunted 6 to 11-month-old infants in a 1:1 ratio. Children were given 2 µg (approximately 2-3 RDA) of vitamin B₁₂ or a placebo daily for 12 months. Both groups were also given 15 other vitamins and minerals at around one RDA.  The primary outcomes were growth and neurodevelopment.

Results: Only 26 children were lost to follow-up. Almost 95% of the scheduled daily doses of vitamin B₁₂ or placebo were consumed (partly or entirely). Despite a strong and significant metabolic response to the vitamin B₁₂ supplementation, the intervention did not affect the incidence of common infections, visits to clinical facilities, or hospital admissions.

Conclusions: Our results from a population at risk for vitamin B₁₂ deficiency do not indicate that vitamin B12 supplementation will reduce the risk of common infections.

Funding Sources: Thrasher Research Fund