Association of Vitamin B 12 and Folic acid with HOMA IR in urban middle aged women

Ashok Pranita; Balsubramanian B; Joshi Sadhana; Wagh Girija; Godbole Gayatri; Vaidya S M

Volume : VI, Issue : IV, April - 2017

Association of Vitamin B 12 and Folic acid with HOMA IR in urban middle aged women

Ashok Pranita, Balsubramanian B, Joshi Sadhana, Wagh Girija, Godbole Gayatri, Vaidya S M

Abstract :

Background: Middle aged women are reported to have high prevalence of metabolic syndrome which is also known as insulin resistance syndrome .HOMA IR is the best indicator of Insulin resistance. Micronutrient deficiencies are implicated in various metabolic disorders. The present study was aimed to examine the levels of micronutrients like vitamin B₁₂, folic acid and homocysteine and their association with HOMA IR in middle aged women. Methods: This study was an observational cross–sectional study. Plasma levels of fasting glucose, vitamin B₁₂, folic acid, fasting insulin and homocysteine were assessed in 300 women. Results were analyzed using Pearson�s correlation. Results : Vitamin B12, folic acid concentrations were inversely associated and homocysteine was directly associated with HOMA IR. Conclusion: Low levels of vitamin B₁₂, folic acid and high levels of homocysteine were major predictors of insulin resistance in middle aged women. Improving vitamin B12 and folic acid levels by dietary modifications and supplementation as well as decreasing homocysteine levels would be useful in improving insulin sensitivity and hence the health of middle aged urban women.