Published in the BMC Medicine journal, this study highlights how modern diets are contributing to a widespread lack of essential micronutrients such as vitamin B12. A deficiency in this micronutrient is especially problematic for vegetarians and vegans as it is primarily found in animal products. The researchers were therefore motivated to examine the link between low vitamin B12 levels in pregnant women and increased risks of obesity, poor blood lipid profiles, and type 2 diabetes.
The study analyzed fat samples from 115 pregnant women with low vitamin B12 levels and conducted experiments using lab-grown human fat cells exposed to varying levels of the micronutrient. The researchers assessed blood markers, fat storage, gene activity, as well as mitochondrial function in fat cells. Women with low B12 were found to have more body fat, lower levels of so-called “good” cholesterol (HDL), and poorly functioning mitochondria – the energy generating ‘powerhouses’ of cells. Their fatty tissue also produced fewer fat-breaking enzymes and released more inflammatory molecules, all of which are linked to an increased risk of chronic metabolic diseases.
To learn more about the importance of micronutrients during pregnancy, read parts one and two of the special pregnancy feature article on our website.
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June 5, 2025Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Pregnancy Could Pose Metabolic Health Risk
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In a new study, 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.
[Source: medicalxpress.com]
[Image source: Adobe Stock]
Comment
Published in the BMC Medicine journal, this study highlights how modern diets are contributing to a widespread lack of essential micronutrients such as vitamin B12. A deficiency in this micronutrient is especially problematic for vegetarians and vegans as it is primarily found in animal products. The researchers were therefore motivated to examine the link between low vitamin B12 levels in pregnant women and increased risks of obesity, poor blood lipid profiles, and type 2 diabetes.
The study analyzed fat samples from 115 pregnant women with low vitamin B12 levels and conducted experiments using lab-grown human fat cells exposed to varying levels of the micronutrient. The researchers assessed blood markers, fat storage, gene activity, as well as mitochondrial function in fat cells. Women with low B12 were found to have more body fat, lower levels of so-called “good” cholesterol (HDL), and poorly functioning mitochondria – the energy generating ‘powerhouses’ of cells. Their fatty tissue also produced fewer fat-breaking enzymes and released more inflammatory molecules, all of which are linked to an increased risk of chronic metabolic diseases.
To learn more about the importance of micronutrients during pregnancy, read parts one and two of the special pregnancy feature article on our website.
Dr. Rath Health Foundation
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