From Micro to Macro: Understanding the Far-Reaching Consequences of B12 Deficiency on Women's Health

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#female #humans #pregnancy #prevalence #vitamin-b-12

From Micro to Macro: Understanding the Far-Reaching Consequences of B12 Deficiency on Women's Health

Zacharias et al., 2025 | Public Health Nurs | Systematic Review

Citation

Zacharias Betsy Sara, Upendra Sheela, Dumbre Dipali. From Micro to Macro: Understanding the Far-Reaching Consequences of B12 Deficiency on Women's Health. Public Health Nurs. 2025;42(2):1115-1131. doi:10.1111/phn.13525

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Vitamin B12 (B12), playing the role of a coenzyme in one-carbon metabolism, is an important vitamin necessary for human health. OBJECTIVES: To systematically review evidence to identify the complications of B12 deficiency among women. METHODS: We conducted a systematic search of quantitative studies on disorders associated with B12 deficiency among women, published in English in the last 25 years (1999-2024), using electronic databases such as Scopus, Web of science, CINAHL, PubMed, and Medline. CONCLUSION: The search produced 28 full-text articles. B12 deficiency prevalence among women identified by the selected studies ranges from 0.6% to 45.5%. The deficiency of B12 is connected with the risk for depression/post-partum depression, breast cancer, recurrent pregnancy loss, gestational diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance, and obesity among women. It is necessary to monitor and correct the B12 deficiency among women in order to prevent complications.

Key Findings

The search produced 28 full-text articles. B12 deficiency prevalence among women identified by the selected studies ranges from 0.6% to 45.5%. The deficiency of B12 is connected with the risk for depression/post-partum depression, breast cancer, recurrent pregnancy loss, gestational diabetes mellitus, insulin resistance, and obesity among women. It is necessary to monitor and correct the B12 deficiency among women in order to prevent complications.

Outcomes Measured

  • depression

Population

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

MeSH Terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Prevalence
  • Vitamin B 12
  • Vitamin B 12 Deficiency
  • Women's Health

Evidence Classification

  • Level: Systematic Review
  • Publication Types: Journal Article, Systematic Review
  • Vertical: vitamin-b12

Provenance

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