B12 Deficiency: An Unexpected Cause of Urinary Incontinence

INTRODUCTION: Urinary incontinence (UI) is a common and important health problem in society. It has negative effects on individuals' daily life activities and quality of life.
Aim
Our study aims to assess the relationship between B12 vitamin and urinary incontinence.

METHODS: 109 patients (80 women, 29 men) diagnosed with urinary incontinence at Recep Tayyip Erdoðan University between January 2018 and December 2023 were retrospectively examined. As a control group, 100 healthy individuals (66 females, 34 males) of similar age to the patients were included. Vitamin B12 levels were measured using the Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay (ECLIA) method. UI was assessed with specific questions regarding stress and urge incontinence.

RESULTS: When we compared the control and patient groups, there was no difference (44.76 and 43.6 years, respectively). B12 levels were lower in the control group compared to the patient group (p<0.001). When we compared the folate levels in the patient group, they were lower than in the control group (p=0.035).


DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In our study, we found a significant association between vitamin B12 deficiency and urinary incontinence. B12 deficiency contributes to pelvic floor dysfunction through neurological and structural changes. These results suggest that treatment of vitamin B12 deficiency may play an important role in the management of urinary incontinence.