Vitamin B12, folate, and homocysteine in metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

source extracted confidence: high 2026-04-09
#humans #vitamin-b-12 #folic-acid #metabolic-syndrome #homocysteine

Vitamin B12, folate, and homocysteine in metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Ulloque-Badaracco et al., 2023 | Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) | Meta Analysis

Citation

Ulloque-Badaracco Juan R, Hernandez-Bustamante Enrique A, ... Benites-Zapata Vicente A. Vitamin B12, folate, and homocysteine in metabolic syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2023;14:1221259. doi:10.3389/fendo.2023.1221259

Abstract

BACKGROUND & AIMS: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is associated with life-threatening conditions. Several studies have reported an association of vitamin B12, folic acid, or homocysteine (Hcy) levels with MetS. This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the association of vitamin B12, folic acid, and Hcy levels with MetS. METHODS: PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Ovid/Medline, and Web of Science were searched up to February 13, 2023. Cross-sectional, case-control, or cohort studies were included. A random-effects model was performed using the DerSimonian and Laird method to estimate the between-study variance. Effect measures were expressed as odds ratios (OR) with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Between-study heterogeneity was evaluated using Cochran's Q test and the I2 statistic. RESULTS: Sixty-six articles (n = 87,988 patients) were included. Higher vitamin B12 levels were inversely associated with MetS (OR = 0.87; 95% CI: 0.81-0.93; p < 0.01; I2 = 90%). Higher Hcy levels were associated with MetS (OR = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.14-1.24; p < 0.01; I2 = 90%). Folate levels were not associated with MetS (OR = 0.83; 95% CI: 0.66-1.03; p = 0.09; I2 = 90%). CONCLUSION: Higher vitamin B12 levels were inversely associated with MetS, whereas higher Hcy levels were associated with MetS. Studies assessing the pathways underlying this association are required.

Key Findings

Sixty-six articles (n = 87,988 patients) were included. Higher vitamin B12 levels were inversely associated with MetS (OR = 0.87; 95% CI: 0.81-0.93; p < 0.01; I2 = 90%). Higher Hcy levels were associated with MetS (OR = 1.19; 95% CI: 1.14-1.24; p < 0.01; I2 = 90%). Folate levels were not associated with MetS (OR = 0.83; 95% CI: 0.66-1.03; p = 0.09; I2 = 90%).

Outcomes Measured

  • Requires manual extraction

Population

Field Value
Population See abstract
Sample Size 87988
Age Range See abstract
Condition See abstract

MeSH Terms

  • Humans
  • Vitamin B 12
  • Folic Acid
  • Metabolic Syndrome
  • Homocysteine
  • Cross-Sectional Studies

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Meta Analysis
  • Publication Types: Meta-Analysis, Systematic Review, Journal Article
  • Vertical: folate-mood

Provenance

Source extracted via PubMed E-utilities API on 2026-04-09