Higher levels of vitamin B12 in both mothers and fathers before conception are associated with a lower risk of birth defects in children, according to a large study published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine.
Researchers analysed data from a prospective study conducted in Shanghai, evaluating thousands of prospective parents before pregnancy as well as mothers during early gestation.
The scientific analysis included 3,032 couples who provided blood samples within four months prior to conception. In addition, the researchers assessed vitamin levels in 17,765 women during the early stages of pregnancy, measuring concentrations of both vitamin B12 and folate to correlate them with the incidence of congenital malformations.
The findings revealed that elevated vitamin B12 concentrations prior to conception in both women and men were tied to a reduced probability of congenital anomalies in offspring. Furthermore, adequate folate levels inside maternal red blood cells during early pregnancy were also linked to a lower risk of such developmental disorders.
Preconception nutrition for mothers and fathers
Study authors noted that the results highlight how nutritional status and vitamin sufficiency before conception can play an important role for men as well as women. However, the researchers emphasised that the study was observational in nature and does not prove that increasing vitamin B12 intake directly prevents birth defects.
Vitamin B12 is an essential water-soluble nutrient vital for nerve tissue health, brain function, and the production of red blood cells. Folate, another B-complex vitamin, plays a critical role in cellular division and DNA synthesis. Both nutrients are widely recognised in reproductive health for supporting early embryonic development and preventing developmental complications.
Congenital malformations are structural or functional anomalies that occur during intrauterine life and can be identified prenatal, at birth, or later in life. The research was published in Annals of Internal Medicine, a peer-reviewed medical journal established by the American College of Physicians that reports clinical medical research.
Prior findings on vitamin health
The investigation adds to a growing body of scientific research examining how dietary vitamins influence long-term health outcomes. In previous findings, researchers determined that a high intake of vitamins A, B6, D, and E was associated with a reduced risk of developing colorectal cancer.
Shanghai, a major global financial center and China's largest city, has served as the location for several extensive epidemiological cohorts tracking population health and maternal nutrition. Observational studies like the one conducted in Shanghai allow scientists to monitor real-world health patterns across large population groups, providing foundational data for future clinical guidelines.
