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REDUCED VITAMIN B12 LEVELS IN THE BODY WHILE PREGNANT LEAD TO METABOLIC HEALTH ISSUES
Researchers at Nottingham Trent University and the University of Warwick argue that a major contributing factor to vitamin B12 deficiency is an increasing dependence on ultra-processed foods. Their work is published in the journal BMC Medicine.
Contemporary dietary patterns present a paradox: while providing excessive calories, they frequently fail to deliver adequate essential micronutrients, including vital vitamins necessary for optimal health.
Vitamin B12 presents a particular challenge since it occurs naturally only in animal products, placing individuals following plant-based diets at elevated risk for deficiency. Although the relationship between caloric excess and adiposity is well-established, researchers emphasize that micronutrient inadequacy—especially B12 deficiency—coupled with modern lifestyle factors receives insufficient attention.
The research team sought to explore why B12 deficiency, particularly during pregnancy, correlates with increased adiposity, dyslipidemia, and heightened type 2 diabetes risk. Worldwide statistics indicate that over 60% of pregnant women are classified as overweight or obese, creating recognized risks for pregnancy complications and metabolic dysfunction.
Study Design and Methods The investigation analyzed adipose tissue samples from the abdominal region of 115 pregnant women exhibiting low B12 status, alongside adipocytes from participants across various body mass indices.
Laboratory-cultured human adipocytes were examined to determine their responses to adequate versus deficient B12 concentrations.
The research protocol included comprehensive assessment of circulating vitamin and lipid concentrations, biomarkers indicating metabolic status, and cellular functionality measurements.
Scientists evaluated gene expression patterns related to lipogenesis and lipolysis, intracellular lipid accumulation, and mitochondrial energy production efficiency.
Additionally, researchers investigated whether B12 deficiency triggered adipose tissue to secrete pro-inflammatory mediators.
Key Findings Women with inadequate B12 status demonstrated elevated body weight and adverse blood lipid profiles, while exhibiting reduced high-density lipoprotein cholesterol—the beneficial cholesterol variant that facilitates removal of other cholesterol forms from circulation.
Adipose tissue analysis revealed enhanced lipogenesis with diminished lipolysis, accompanied by impaired mitochondrial function in the cellular powerhouses responsible for energy production.
These tissues also exhibited increased secretion of inflammatory compounds capable of systemic circulation and broad physiological impact.
“Among these pregnant participants, the alterations we documented in adipose composition, gene expression patterns, and inflammatory biomarkers represent well-established risk factors for metabolic dysfunction, including type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease,” explained lead investigator Dr. Adaikala Antonysunil from Nottingham Trent University’s School of Science and Technology.
Dr. Antonysunil emphasized, “These results underscore the critical importance of monitoring and optimizing vitamin B12 status both preconceptionally and throughout pregnancy to safeguard long-term metabolic health.”
"We advise adherence to balanced nutritional patterns emphasizing fruits, vegetables, and minimally processed whole foods while restricting ultra-processed food consumption. This approach supports adequate B12 status and mitigates future health risks."
Professor Ponnusamy Saravanan from the University of Warwick noted, “This research establishes essential groundwork for designing and implementing future clinical investigations to further evaluate metabolic health impacts in young women during pregnancy and potential intergenerational consequences.”
The study, was also co-authored by Professor Philip McTernan, from De Montfort University, who has worked with the team over several years examining adipose tissue metabolism and metabolic health.
More information: Jinous Samavat et al, Maternal B12 deficiency during pregnancy dysregulates fatty acid metabolism and induces inflammation in human adipose tissue, BMC Medicine (2025). DOI: 10.1186/s12916-025-04056-4
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