Dietary Vitamin B12 Intake Affects the Association Between Urinary Incontinence and Depression in Women: A Cross-Sectional Study of NHANES 2007-2018

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to examine the protective role of dietary vitamin B12 against depression, particularly as its prevalence is notably high among women experiencing urinary incontinence (UI). Nevertheless, the relationship between vitamin B12 intake, UI, and depression requires further clarification. This research aims to explore this association specifically among women. Methods: This cross-sectional study analyzed data from 14,154 women sourced from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) conducted between 2007 and 2018. Depression was measured using the Personal Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Vitamin B12 intake was assessed through 24-h dietary recall interviews. Weighted univariate and multivariate logistic regression models assessed the relationships between UI, vitamin B12 intake, and depression in women, with additional analyses conducted across different age, body mass index (BMI), and vaginal delivery groups. Results are presented as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Results: The study included 14,154 women, averaging 48.18±0.27 years in age, of whom 1609 (11.37%) exhibited depressive symptoms. Women with stress UI (OR=1.55, 95% CI: 1.26–1.91), urgency UI (OR=1.92, 95% CI: 1.52–2.44), and mixed UI (OR=2.60, 95% CI: 2.13–3.19) showed significantly greater odds of depression compared to those without UI. Vitamin B12 intake of ≥2.4 mcg/day was associated with lower odds of depression (OR=0.95, 95% CI: 0.080–1.14). In patients with UI, the odds of depression gradually decreased with a vitamin B12 intake of ≥2.4 mcg/day. A moderating role of vitamin B12 intake was observed among women with UI aged ≤ 64 years, with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2, and those with or without vaginal deliveries. Conclusion: UI is linked to elevated depression odds, while vitamin B12 intake appears to moderate this relationship. It is essential for healthcare providers to prioritize early depression assessments in women with UI and to offer timely interventions to enhance their quality of life.