Maternal Folic Acid, b12 and zinc serum level and risk of orofacial cleft in offspring in Tabriz

Abstract

Introduction: Cleft lip and palate are the most common congenital malformations worldwide, with both genetic and environmental factors contributing to their development. Methods and Materials: This case-control study included 66 mothers of children with cleft lip or palate (either separately or combined) and 108 participants as a control group. Informed consent was obtained from all participants. Data on potential confounding factors were collected, and serum levels of vitamin B12, folic acid, and zinc were measured. Results: A significant association was found between folic acid levels and the risk of oropharyngeal clefts (OFC) (p < 0.00001). However, no significant relationships were observed between serum levels of vitamin B12 (p = 0.763) or zinc (p = 0.252) and the risk of OFC. Logistic regression analysis revealed significant differences between the case and control groups in terms of supplement intake during pregnancy (p = 0.016), positive family history (p = 0.023), residence in areas with high-voltage power lines (p = 0.001), body mass index (p = 0.016), folic acid intake (p = 0.0368), and vitamin B12 intake (p = 0.023).