Serum Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid (P.G.A.) Levels in Hypoproteinaemia and Marasmus in Indian Children

Abstract

The serum proteins, vitamin B12, P.G.A. levels and the type of anemia were studied in Indian children suffering from hypopro-teinemia and marasmus. The blood picture was normocytic in 11, microcytic in 13 and macrocytic in four children. The serum vitamin Bl2 levels were significantly higher in 16 out of 28 children studied and these could be correlated with the fatty change in the liver. As a result of therapy, the serum vitamin B12 dropped to normal values. The P.G.A. levels, however, revealed no correlation. The implications of these findings are discussed.