Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Rising Trends and Comprehensive Strategies for Diagnosis and Management

Vitamin B12 deficiency is a compelling and often overlooked health concern with significant clinical, hematological, neurological, and psychiatric outcomes if untreated. This essential water-soluble vitamin, also known as cobalamin, plays a crucial role in DNA synthesis. The deficiency presents differently across age groups, and its treatment, prevention, and diagnosis are contingent on clinical presentations, availability of therapeutic preparations, and diagnostic modalities. Recent studies underscore a shift, with an increase in Vitamin B12 deficiency occurrences even in developing regions with improving living standards and in developed nations among vegetarians and vegans. This complex scenario demands a comprehensive exploration to address its epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management.

This Research Topic aims to deepen the understanding of Vitamin B12 deficiency by examining its rising prevalence and diverse clinical implications. We seek to explore factors contributing to its increase, interactions with other nutrients like folate, and its grave effects during pregnancy and across different age cohorts. The goal is to address significant questions on novel diagnostic methods and treatment formulations, and the role of public health policy in managing this deficiency. By investigating these aspects, the research intends to illuminate effective strategies for prevention and treatment, creating a robust foundation for future health improvements.

To gather further insights into the complexities of Vitamin B12 deficiency, we welcome articles addressing, but not limited to, the following themes:

• Current epidemiological trends and risk factors.
• Vitamin B12 and folate interactions.
• Impact of B12 deficiency on pregnancy outcomes.
• Hematological manifestations of deficiencies.
• Neurological manifestations of deficiencies.
• Inherited or congenital Vitamin B12 deficiency syndromes.
• Advancement in diagnostic algorithms and biomarkers.
• Role of national health programs in prevention and public health strategies.
• Subclinical deficiency screening for high-risk populations.
• Evaluation of novel therapeutic formulations and their efficacy.

In support of this scholarly investigation, submissions can include, but are not limited to: original research, reviews, case studies, and clinical trials.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Community Case Study
• Conceptual Analysis
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• FAIR² DATA Direct Submission
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Registered Report
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Vitamin B12 Deficiency, Diagnosis, Neurological Manifestations, Epidemiology, Treatment Strategies

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.