The Impact of Vitamin B12 Deficiency on Reproductive and Metabolic Outcomes in Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Abstract

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder that has a wide range of clinical heterogeneity with a global prevalence from 5 to 13% in women of reproductive age. It has been progressively proposed that shortages of micronutrients like vitamin B12 are related to both metabolic and reproductive disorders in PCOS females Vitamin B12 plays a critical role in the metabolism of homocysteine, the methylation pathways and oocyte quality. On the contrary in B12 deficiency, the influence of deficiency can be seen on clinical features such as insulin resistance, gangrene, menstrual abnormalities, anovulation and dermal symptoms such as acne and hirsutism. Ninety-three women were assessed for the structured questionnaire and biochemical parameters such as serum B12, HOMA-IR, BMI and reproductive history from clinical and outpatient gynecology centers in Wasit Province, Iraq. In addition to greater menstrual cycle irregularities and lower parity, the low B12 group also had higher HOMA-IR and BMI as identified using ng-H. Nevertheless, an association was reported between metformin and menstrual irregularity, but it was relatively weak (OR = 2.17, 95% C. I: 0.60-7.91). Results contribute to the rising evidence that deficiency of vitamin B12 may exacerbate the clinical features of PCOS. Also, emphasize the importance of adding micronutrient screening, namely B12, to routine examination and management of PCOS, especially in long term Metformin users. Additional interventional studies on the impact of B12 supplementation on metabolic and reproductive outcomes among women with the condition.