Chronic transgenerational vitamin B12 deficiency of severe and moderate magnitudes modulates adiposity-probable underlying mechanisms

What is it about?

Experiments show severe vitamin B12 deficiency induced adiposity (obesity) in females (experimental mice). Vitamin B12 deficiency in mothers and kids can cause obesity in adult age or later life. Even when the kids were given normal amount of vitamin B12, the probability of getting metabolic syndrome as adults is quite high. We did experiments at different ages. The results indicate that both severe and moderate maternal vitamin B12 restrictions were associated with accelerated catch-up growth, increased body fat percentage, visceral adiposity, dyslipidemia, fasting hyperglycemia and insulin resistance in the kids. Inflammation, increased glucocorticoid and oxidative stress and poor antioxidant defence probably underlie these adverse effects. Rehabilitation from birth but not weaning was beneficial in delaying the onset of the adverse outcomes in the offspring.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

This study is very important as it clearly shows that chances of developing obesity and associated disorders are very high in kids born to mothers with severe vitamin B12 deficiency. This study supports the supplementation of vitamin B12 (cobalamin) to all age groups specially adolescent girls and women planning for conception.

Perspectives