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Intakes and sources of vitamin B12 in a nationally representative sample of children and teenagers (5–18 years) in Ireland

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 August 2022

R. Kelleher Long
Affiliation:
Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, Cork, Ireland
E. O'Sullivan
Affiliation:
Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, Cork, Ireland
L. Kehoe
Affiliation:
Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, Cork, Ireland School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University College Cork, Ireland
M. Buffini
Affiliation:
UCD Institute of Food and Health, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
B.A. McNulty
Affiliation:
UCD Institute of Food and Health, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
J.M. Kearney
Affiliation:
School of Biological & Health Sciences, Technological University Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
A. Flynn
Affiliation:
School of Food and Nutritional Sciences, University College Cork, Ireland
J. Walton
Affiliation:
Department of Biological Sciences, Munster Technological University, Cork, Ireland
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Abstract

Type
Abstract
Copyright
Copyright © The Authors 2022

Vitamin B12 has an important role in the development of red-blood cells, DNA, brain and nerve cells (Reference Serin and Arslan1). An increase in the popularity of plant-based diets may increase the risk of vitamin B12 deficiency due to its main dietary sources being animal-based products. This may be of particular importance in vulnerable groups such as children and teenagers who are undergoing rapid growth and development. Therefore, the aim of this study was to estimate current intakes and sources of vitamin B12 in children and teenagers in Ireland. Analyses are based on data from two nationally representative food consumption surveys of children and teenagers in the Republic of Ireland; the National Children's Food Survey II (n = 600) (2017–18) and the National Teens’ Food Survey II (n = 428) (2019–20) (www.iuna.net). Food and beverage intake data (including nutritional supplements) were collected using a 4-day weighed food record. Nutrient intakes were estimated using Nutritics© based on UK and Irish food composition data and usual intakes of vitamin B12 were calculated via the NCI-method using SAS© Enterprise Guide. The prevalence of inadequate intakes of vitamin B12 (excluding energy under-reporters (NCFS II: 19.5%, NTFS II: 46%)) (Reference Black2) was estimated using the estimated average requirement (EAR) established by the UK Department of Health (4-6y: 0.7mg/d, 7-10y: 0.9mg/d, 11-14y: 1.2mg/d, 15-17y: 1.4mg/d, 18y: 1.3mg/d) (3). The percent contribution of food groups to vitamin B12 intake was calculated using SPSS© V26 by the mean proportion method (which provides information about the sources that are contributing to the nutrient intake ‘per person’) (Reference Krebs-Smith, Kott and Guenther4). Usual intakes of vitamin B12 were 4.6 and 5.5μg/day in children and teenagers, respectively. Negligible proportions of children and teenagers had intakes of vitamin B12 below the EAR (NCFS II: 0%, NTFS II: 0.3%). Key sources of vitamin B12 among children were ‘milks’ which contributed 32% of intakes, ‘meat & meat products’ (21%), ready-to-eat breakfast cereals (RTEBC) (12%), ‘fish & fish dishes’ (5%) and ‘cheeses’ (5%). Key sources of vitamin B12 among teenagers were ‘meat & meat products’ which contributed 29% of intakes, ‘milks’ (25%), ‘RTEBC’ (8%), ‘grains, rice, pasta & savouries’ (6%) and ‘eggs & egg dishes’ (6%). Current data show that vitamin B12 intakes are sufficient in both children and teenagers. The key sources of vitamin B12 were animal-based products including meats, fish, milks, yogurt, cheeses, eggs and creams/ice-creams which accounted for 74 and 73% of vitamin B12 intakes in children and teenagers, respectively. These findings provide valuable data on the intake and sources of vitamin B12 in these age-groups. Continued surveillance of vitamin B12 intakes should occur in children and adults in Ireland due to the rise in popularity of plant-based diets.

Acknowledgments

The National Children's Food Survey II and the National Teens’ Food Survey II were funded by the Irish Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine.

References

Serin, HM & Arslan, EA (2019) Acta Clin Croat 58(2), 295302.Google Scholar
Black, AE (2000) IJO 24, 11191130.Google Scholar
UK DOH (1991) United Kingdom: HMSO.Google Scholar
Krebs-Smith, SM, Kott, PS & Guenther, PM (1989) J Am Diet Assoc 89, 671676.CrossRefGoogle Scholar