Infertility caused by a vitamin B12 deficiency may be related to anovulation, abnormal cell division in the fertilized ovum or a lack of implantation due to megaloblastoid changes in the endometrium. Recurrent miscarriage may also be associated with vitamin B12 deficiency, though it is rare. However, when you are talking about you, rarity or not B-12 can be an issue.
Recommended dose for B-12 vitamin for pregnant women is 8-10mg daily (or it may read 120 mcg). Here is evidence from the respected Journal of Reproductive Medicine that B-12 may be a contributing factor in miscarriage: “The obstetrics histories of 14 patients presenting With 15 episodes of vitamin B12 deficiency were analyzed. Infertility of two to eight years had been present in four episodes, and recurrent fetal loss was a feature in 11. Two of these 11 cases had never had a full-term delivery. Case 1 had had seven spontaneous abortions before the finding of vitamin B12 deficiency. Treatment with B12 resulted in their first full-term delivery within nine months followed by two more full term deliveries. In six cases, miscarriages were followed by a period of infertility. In one case, after 3 miscarriages followed by six years of infertility, severe megaloblastic anemia was found with ahemoglobin of 5.8 g/dL and a serum B12 level of [less than] 50 pg/mL. Following parenteral B12 administration, the patient became pregnant immediately and delivered a full-term infant. In 10 patients, a full-term delivery occurred after vitamin B12 therapy. Six of them almost immediately conceived. Recurrent fetal loss in the presence of B12 deficiency may be due to elevated homocysteine levels and a resulting thrombophilic state. Pregnancy is already a prethrombotic state, and the homocysteinemia and increased risk of thrombovascular disease may cause thrombosis and inadequate perfusion of the placenta, preeclampsia, abruptio placentae, fetal growth retardation and stillbirth.
This study demonstrates the importance of measuring B12 levels in the evaluation of infertility or recurrent spontaneous abortions. Since folate therapy, high-folate diets, iron deficiency or thalassemia minor may mask a B12 deficiency, serum measurements are crucial.”
Bennett M. Vitamin B12 deficiency, infertility and recurrent fetal loss. J Reprod Med 2001; 46:209-212
B-12 is found in animal products but can be very difficult for a vegetarian to obtain through diet alone. Foods to eat: meat, animal protein, mushrooms, parsley, and turnips. We recommend Metagenics Wellness Essentials for Pregnancy to obtain a pharmaceutical grade vitamin with a high absorptions rate. You can order this off of our website by clicking on my name. Poor digestion can also inhibit the absorption of B-12 so if you suspect your digestion is weak i.e.: belching, gas, loose stool, irregular stool I would also recommend Ultra Flora Plus to improve your digestion. Some patients who show signs of B-12 deficiency including: weakness, fatigue, lethargy, diarrhea, depression, indigestion, paleness or pale tongue, poor memory, moodiness, personality changes or paranoia may want to consider getting supplemental B-12 shots from their doctor.
Written By: Kristen Burris, L.Ac., M.S.T.O.M., Dip. Ac., a nationally recognized expert in women’s health and infertility treating patients with acupuncture, herbal medicine, vitamin therapy and nutrition as medicine. She is the founder and medical director of American Acupuncture Center located in Eagle, Idaho.
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very nice and informative blog
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tubal reversal
http://www.mybabydoc.com/blog/
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For anyone who is B12 deficient, I recently heard about a new oral prescription alternative to the injections called Eligen B12. I recently read that it works even if you don't have intrinsic factor (so even if you don't have normal gut absorption), which would mean no more shots. Apparently it came out a month or two ago. Has anyone tried it??
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