The Effect of Vitamin B12 and Folic Acid on Adiposity

Abstract

Vitamin B12, also called cobalamin; is a water-soluble essential vitamin found in animal products and fortified food products. Vitamin B12 is used in the body in two forms; methylcobalamin or 5-deoxyadenosly cobalamin. Methylcobalamin is a cofactor for methionine synthase enzyme. Furthermore, vitamin B12 has a fundamental role in DNA synthesis, regulation, energy production, erythropoiesis, neurological function, control of growth and development. One carbon metabolism which is dependent on vitamin B12, includes reactions as the addiction, transfer or removal of 1-C units in cellular metabolic pathways. Methylation of DNA nucleotides is the most important epigenetic mechanism for the control of gene expressions. The control of gene expression is particularly important during critical periods of growth and development and maternal inadequate consumption of nutrients related to DNA methylation may be associated with fetal phenotypes which increase the risk for subsequent diseases. Deficiency of vitamin B12 may result in abnormal lipid profile and metabolic disorders, therefore these processes may be associated with changes on DNA methylation. Folates are essential cofactors in metabolic pathways that facilitate methylation and nucleotide synthesis, and thus have widespread effects on health and diseases. Obesity, simply defined as fat deposition, may be associated with folate status. In this review, we aimed to evaluate the effect of vitamin B12 and folic acid on adiposity.