Vitamin B12 supplementation during pregnancy and postpartum increases maternal plasma anti‐influenza IgA and ameliorates infant’s plasma AGP response (392.8)

There is no information about effects of vitamin B12 supplementation during pregnancy and postpartum on immune function in mothers and their offspring. Women (n=66, 18‐35 y, Hb <115 g/L, 11‐14 wk pregnant) were randomized to receive 250 μg B12/d or a placebo through 4 mo postpartum. Both groups also received 400 μg folic acid + 60 mg Fe. Women were immunized with HINI vaccine at 26‐28 wk gestation. Vitamin B12, HINI‐specific IgG and IgA antibody responses in plasma, and IgA responses in colostrum/breast milk; acute phase response proteins, High sensitivity C‐reactive protein (HsCRP) and acid glycoprotein (AGP) were analyzed in plasma. At baseline, 26% of women were B12 deficient, and 39% had marginal status. Supplementation led to B12 adequate status in 94% mothers. In both groups combined, cord plasma H1N1 IgG was correlated with maternal (r=0.25, p=0.04) and infant (r=0.41, p=0.001) H1N1 IgG at 4 mo. Pre and post immunization H1N1‐specific maternal plasma IgG were similar in both groups. Supplementation significantly increased geometric mean titers of H1N1‐specific IgA in mothers at 4 mo postpartum compared to placebo group (p=0.03). Maternal supplementation reduced plasma AGP concentrations in infants at 4 mo compared to placebo group (0.75 vs. 0.62 g/L; p=0.05). Supplementation of 250 μg B12/d through pregnancy and lactation improved humoral immune function in response to antenatal influenza immunization, and reduced acute phase response. Grant Funding Source : Nestle Foundation