Neonatal vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia

A disease caused by a lack of vitamin B12 in the mother, which is passed onto the fetus in the antenatal period or to the neonate during breast feeding. This disease is characterised by decreased levels of vitamin B12. This disease may present with increased risk of birth defects or preterm delivery, anaemia, irritability, failure to thrive or apathy. Confirmation is by identification of low levels of vitamin B12 in a blood sample.