Higher Vitamin B12 in pregnancy linked to better brain development in babies: Study
Harvinder Kaur
Chandigarh, March 30, 2026: What a mother eats during pregnancy may shape her baby’s brain more than we once thought. A new study—the MATCOBIND trial conducted in India and Nepal—suggests that higher intake of vitamin B12 during pregnancy can give babies a small but meaningful cognitive edge, especially in vegetarian communities.
Vitamin B12 deficiency is common across South Asia, where many women consume little or no animal-based foods. This vitamin plays a key role in the development of a baby’s brain and nervous system, and low levels have been linked to delayed development, low birth weight, and other complications.
The study followed 708 pregnant women, most of them vegetarians, from early pregnancy through their baby’s first year. They were given either a higher dose of B12 (250 micrograms daily) or a lower dose (50 micrograms), continuing the supplements during pregnancy and for six months after delivery.
The findings showed a modest but clear difference. Babies whose mothers took the higher dose scored an average of 103.7 on mental development tests, compared to 101.7 in the lower-dose group. While the gap may seem small, experts say it reflects a real improvement in early cognitive ability.
Importantly, the supplements were found to be safe, with no impact on physical growth or motor skills. Mothers in the higher-dose group also saw better B12 levels, which is especially important for women at risk of deficiency.
Experts say the results strengthen the case for including B12 supplements in routine prenatal care, particularly in regions where diets lack animal-source foods. Adequate B12 intake may also help lower risks like preterm birth and poor fetal growth.
While more research is needed to see if these benefits last into later childhood, the message is clear: ensuring enough vitamin B12 during pregnancy could be a simple step toward giving children a healthier start in life.