Evaluation of low serum vitamin B(12) in the non-anaemic pregnant patient.

Low serum vitamin B(12) concentrations in pregnancy may not indicate true megaloblastic anaemia. In the present study we compared biochemical indices of vitamin B(12) deficiency (serum homocysteine and urine methylmalonic acid) in non-anaemic pregnant women with and without low serum vitamin B(12) concentrations. The groups were matched for age, parity and gestational age. No differences were found, and all values were within normal range. These results suggest that the measurement of low serum B(12) concentrations in pregnant women should be followed by analysis at the biochemical level before vitamin B(12) injections are started.