Higher Parental Vitamin B12 Levels Linked to Lower Birth Defect Risk

A study of 3,032 couples published in the Annals of Internal Medicine found that higher vitamin B12 levels in both parents before conception are linked to a lower risk of birth defects.

Researchers observed that maternal red blood cell folate and vitamin B12 levels after conception also correlate with reduced risks for infants.

The findings suggest that paternal nutritional status is as critical as maternal health, highlighting the need for comprehensive vitamin supplementation strategies during the periconceptional period.