Maternal Folate and Vitamin B 12 Concentrations During Pregnancy Influence Neonatal Nutritional Status and Adiposity: Results from the OBESO Cohort

Background/Objectives: Folate and B12, among other B vitamins, are methyl donors and contribute to multiple DNA methylation processes. Maternal deficiency of these nutrients may be associated with impaired fetal growth, affecting the nutritional status and adiposity of the newborn. This study aimed to describe maternal folate and B12 status throughout pregnancy and evaluate its association with neonatal nutritional status. Methods: We studied 90 healthy pregnant women and their babies from the prospective OBESO cohort (Mexico City). Serum folate and B12 concentrations were measured (ELISA) in the first and third trimesters of pregnancy. Deficiency was considered if serum folate was