Modern Pediatrics. Ukraine. (2026).3(155): 75-81. doi: 10.15574/SP.2026.3(155).7581
Grechanin Y. R.¹, Kupriianchuk Y. M.^2
1Kharkiv National Medical University, Ukraine
²CNPE of the Kharkiv Regional Council "Interregional Specialized Medical Genetics Center for Rare (Orphan) Diseases", Ukraine

For citation: Grechanin YR, Kupriianchuk YM. (2026). Impairments in vitamin status (B₆, B₉, B₁₂, D) in children under conditions of chronic social stress. Modern Pediatrics. Ukraine. 3(155): 75-81. doi: 10.15574/SP.2026.3(155).7581.
Article received: Jan 24, 2026. Accepted for publication: Apr 13, 2026.

Chronic social stress in childhood causes alterations in neuroendocrine, autonomic, and metabolic regulation, including impaired micronutrient status. B-complex vitamins and vitamin D play a crucial role in regulating the functional state of the central nervous system.
Aim – to evaluate the characteristics of vitamin status (B₆, B₉, B₁₂, D) in children aged 1-8 years with neuropsychiatric developmental disorders living under conditions of chronic social stress.
Materials and methods. We examined 186 children aged 1-8 years, stratified into three groups based on living conditions: the study group (n=80) – children exposed to high-intensity stress; the comparison group (n=65) – children from a relatively stable social environment; and the control group (n=41) – children examined during the pre-war period. Serum levels of vitamins B₆, B₉, B₁₂, and D were measured using standard laboratory methods.
Results. Children in the study group exhibited a higher incidence of decreased B-complex vitamin and vitamin D levels compared to the comparison and control groups. In children aged 1-3 years, decreased levels were: vitamin B₆ in 40.0% vs. 16.0% vs. 0%; vitamin B₉ in 50.0% vs. 12.0% vs. 0%; vitamin B₁₂ in 42.5% vs. 16.0% vs. 4.8%; and vitamin D in 55.0% vs. 20.0% vs. 9.5%, respectively. In children aged 4-8 years, decreased levels were: vitamin D in 60.0% vs. 15.0% vs. 10.0%; vitamin B₉ in 45.0% vs. 12.5% vs. 5.0%; and vitamin B₆ in 35.0% vs. 15.0% vs. 5.0%. No statistically significant differences were found for vitamin B₁₂ compared to the comparison and control groups.
Conclusions. Children exposed to chronic social stress are more likely to have reduced levels of vitamins B₆, B₉, B₁₂, and D compared to children in the comparison and control groups. In a comprehensive clinical and laboratory examination of such children, it is important to assess their vitamin status.
The study was conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki. Informed consent was obtained from patients for participation in the study.
The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Keywords: children, neuropsychiatric development, chronic social stress, B-complex vitamins, vitamin D, metabolic adaptation.

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