Lack of vitamin B linked to obesity

BABIES whose mothers do not get enough essential B vitamins around the time of conception may grow up predisposed to obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes, new research suggests.

A study of female sheep showed that reducing their intake of B12 and folic acid prior to pregnancy produced major physical effects in their future offspring.

At two years old the sheep were 25% fatter than normal, had significantly raised blood pressure, and showed signs of insulin resistance.