Are obese women a risk group for vitamin B12 and folic acid deficiencies?

Abstract

Background and Aims: To evaluate the relationship between vitamin B12 and folic acid levels of overweight and obese women along with insulin resistance. Materials and Methods: A total of 384 women with normal weight (n=72) overweight (n=125) and obese (n=187) were included in the study. Body weight and height were measured and BMI was calculated. Obesity classification was made according to WHO criteria. Biochemical parameters (serum fasting blood glucose, fasting blood insulin, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) were collected, and HOMA-IR was calculated. Results: Although not statistically significant, vitamin B12 levels were lower in obese women than overweight and normal weight women. Serum folic acid levels of the women with insulin resistance were significantly lower, whereas there was no significant difference between B12 levels of obese and overweight women with and without insulin resistance. There was a weak negative correlation between BMI and vitamin B12 levels. While a weak negative correlation was detected between folic acid, HOMA-IR and fasting insulin levels, no such correlation was observed between B12, HOMA-IR and fasting insulin levels. Conclusion: Our data suggest that overweight and obesity are risk factors for vitamin B12 deficiency in women that should be routinely tested in these individuals.