Researchers used advanced genetic analysis to investigate whether certain B vitamins and related body chemicals affect the risk of developing PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome), a common condition affecting women’s reproductive health. The study found that higher levels of vitamin B6 in the body may lower PCOS risk, while surprisingly, higher folate levels appeared to increase risk. Women with PCOS also showed signs of vitamin B12 deficiency. These findings suggest that managing B vitamin levels through diet or supplements might help prevent or manage PCOS, though more research is needed to confirm these connections.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether specific B vitamins and related chemicals in the body cause or prevent PCOS, a hormonal condition that affects many women
  • Who participated: The study used genetic information from large databases of people rather than recruiting individual participants. This allowed researchers to examine genetic patterns linked to B vitamin levels and PCOS risk across thousands of people
  • Key finding: Vitamin B6 appeared protective—people with higher B6 levels had about 44% lower risk of PCOS. However, higher folate levels were linked to nearly 3 times higher PCOS risk, which was unexpected. Women with PCOS also tended to have lower B12 levels
  • What it means for you: These findings suggest B vitamins may play a role in PCOS development, but this doesn’t mean you should start taking high-dose supplements without talking to your doctor. The results are preliminary and need confirmation through clinical trials before changing your vitamin intake

The Research Details

This study used a sophisticated genetic research method called Mendelian randomization, which is like using your genes as a natural experiment. Instead of following people over time, researchers looked at genetic variations that naturally cause some people to have higher or lower levels of B vitamins and related chemicals. By examining these genetic patterns in large databases, they could determine whether these vitamin level differences actually cause PCOS or just happen to occur together. The researchers also tested whether PCOS itself might cause vitamin deficiencies, looking at the relationship in both directions.

The study analyzed genetic data from thousands of people, examining how natural variations in genes affecting one-carbon metabolism (the body’s system for processing B vitamins and related chemicals) connected to PCOS risk. This approach is stronger than simply observing that people with PCOS have different vitamin levels, because genes are assigned randomly at birth and can’t be influenced by having the disease.

This research approach matters because it helps separate cause from effect. Previous studies showed that people with PCOS often have abnormal B vitamin levels, but couldn’t prove whether the vitamins caused PCOS or whether PCOS caused the vitamin problems. By using genetic information, this study provides stronger evidence for actual cause-and-effect relationships, which is crucial for developing treatments

This study has several strengths: it used genetic data from large populations, examined the relationship in both directions, and applied rigorous statistical methods. However, the sample size isn’t specified in the abstract, and the findings are based on genetic associations rather than direct clinical testing. The results need confirmation through actual clinical trials before being applied to patient care. The study was published in a peer-reviewed journal, which means other experts reviewed it, but the findings should be considered preliminary

What the Results Show

The study found three main results about B vitamins and PCOS. First, higher genetic levels of folate (a B vitamin found in leafy greens) were associated with nearly 3 times higher PCOS risk. This was surprising because folate is generally considered healthy and is recommended during pregnancy. Second, vitamin B6 showed the opposite effect—higher levels were linked to 44% lower PCOS risk, suggesting this vitamin may be protective. Third, the research found evidence that having PCOS might lead to vitamin B12 deficiency, suggesting the condition itself may affect how the body uses this important vitamin.

These findings point to a complex relationship between B vitamins and PCOS that isn’t simply ‘more is better.’ The unexpected folate result suggests that the relationship between one-carbon metabolism and PCOS is more nuanced than previously thought. The protective effect of B6 aligns somewhat with previous observations but needs further investigation to understand the mechanism

The study also examined DHFR, an enzyme involved in processing folate in the body. Higher levels of this enzyme were associated with increased PCOS risk, which may help explain why high folate levels were problematic—the body’s ability to process folate appears to matter significantly. The bidirectional analysis (examining whether PCOS causes vitamin problems or vitamin problems cause PCOS) revealed that PCOS likely contributes to B12 deficiency, suggesting the condition affects nutrient absorption or metabolism

Previous observational studies had noted that women with PCOS often have abnormal B vitamin levels and one-carbon metabolism problems. This study builds on those observations by attempting to establish whether these are cause-and-effect relationships. The finding that folate may increase PCOS risk contradicts the general assumption that more folate is always beneficial, suggesting that the relationship between one-carbon metabolism and reproductive health is more complex than previously understood. The B6 protective effect aligns with some earlier research hints but hasn’t been definitively proven before

Several important limitations should be considered. First, the study is based on genetic associations, not direct measurement of vitamin levels in people with PCOS, so the real-world effects might differ. Second, genetic associations don’t always translate to clinical benefits—just because genes predict higher folate doesn’t mean taking folate supplements will have the same effect. Third, the study can’t explain why these associations exist or what mechanisms are involved. Fourth, the results are from population-level data and may not apply equally to all individuals. Finally, the study hasn’t been confirmed through clinical trials where people actually take vitamins and their PCOS risk is measured

The Bottom Line

Based on this preliminary genetic evidence, here are cautious recommendations: (1) Don’t start high-dose folate supplements specifically to prevent PCOS without medical guidance—the genetic findings suggest this may not be helpful and could potentially be harmful. (2) Ensure adequate B6 intake through diet (found in chickpeas, bananas, potatoes, and chicken), as this showed protective associations. (3) If you have PCOS, ask your doctor to check your B12 levels, as the study suggests PCOS may contribute to deficiency. (4) Avoid making major changes to your vitamin intake based on this study alone—wait for clinical trial confirmation. Confidence level: Low to moderate. These are preliminary findings that require clinical trial confirmation

Women concerned about PCOS risk or those already diagnosed with PCOS should be most interested in these findings. Women planning pregnancy should pay special attention, as PCOS affects fertility and B vitamins are important for pregnancy. However, these findings are preliminary and shouldn’t change current medical practice yet. People without PCOS or reproductive concerns don’t need to change their vitamin intake based on this study. Anyone considering major changes to their vitamin supplementation should consult their healthcare provider first

If these findings are confirmed and lead to clinical interventions, it would likely take 6-12 months of consistent vitamin supplementation to see effects on PCOS symptoms or risk. However, since this study is preliminary, realistic expectations are that it will take 2-5 years of additional research before these findings translate into clinical recommendations. Don’t expect immediate changes; this is the beginning of a research process, not a proven treatment

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily B6 and B12 intake through food logging, noting sources like poultry, legumes, whole grains, and eggs. For women with PCOS, also track menstrual cycle regularity and symptom severity (acne, hair growth, energy levels) weekly to monitor any changes over time
  • Start incorporating more B6-rich foods into daily meals (add chickpeas to salads, eat a banana as a snack, include potatoes with dinner) while moderating high-folate supplement use. If using a prenatal vitamin or B-complex supplement, discuss the folate content with your healthcare provider. Set a reminder to discuss B12 levels with your doctor at your next appointment
  • Use the app to log B vitamin intake from food sources for 8-12 weeks, tracking both quantity and food sources. Correlate this with PCOS symptom tracking (if applicable) to identify any personal patterns. Schedule quarterly check-ins to review vitamin levels with your healthcare provider and adjust dietary intake accordingly. Monitor for any changes in energy, skin health, or cycle regularity as potential indicators of improved metabolic health

This study presents preliminary genetic research findings that have not yet been confirmed through clinical trials. The results should not be used to make changes to your vitamin supplementation or medical treatment without consulting your healthcare provider. Genetic associations do not guarantee the same effects will occur in real-world vitamin supplementation. If you have PCOS or are concerned about PCOS risk, please discuss these findings with your doctor before making any dietary or supplement changes. This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.