Surreal illustration of a pregnant woman surrounded by folate, homocysteine, and vitamin B12 molecules.

Decoding Preeclampsia: Can Folate, Homocysteine, and Vitamin B12 Levels Hold the Key?

Avery Sinclair in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 4 min read.

"A Deep Dive into a Colombian Study Exploring the Link Between Maternal Nutrient Levels and Preeclampsia Risk."

Preeclampsia, a condition characterized by hypertension and proteinuria after the 20th week of gestation, remains a significant cause of maternal and neonatal morbidity and mortality worldwide. Despite extensive research efforts to identify potential risk factors, effective interventions have remained elusive.

In recent years, the spotlight has turned to the potential role of maternal concentrations of folate, homocysteine, and vitamin B12 in the development of preeclampsia. While some studies suggest a link, particularly regarding hyperhomocysteinemia and endothelial dysfunction, the evidence remains inconsistent, often hampered by limited sample sizes and inadequate control for confounding factors.

Now, a new study conducted in Colombia seeks to shed more light on this complex relationship. By examining data from a large cohort of pregnant women, researchers aimed to determine whether maternal levels of these three key biomarkers are indeed associated with preeclampsia risk.

Unveiling the Colombian Study: Design and Key Findings

Surreal illustration of a pregnant woman surrounded by folate, homocysteine, and vitamin B12 molecules.

The study, a case-control design nested within the broader Genetics and Pre-eclampsia (GenPE) project, involved the recruitment of primigravid women at the time of delivery across eight Colombian cities between December 2000 and February 2012. Cases of preeclampsia were defined based on established blood pressure and proteinuria criteria, while controls were healthy normotensive women without proteinuria, matched for recruitment center, ethnicity, and gestational age.

Researchers collected data on maternal serum concentrations of folate, homocysteine, and vitamin B12, along with self-reported information on folic acid supplementation during pregnancy. Statistical analyses were then performed to estimate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for preeclampsia based on biomarker levels and folic acid supplementation patterns.

Folate: Higher folate levels were associated with a decreased risk of preeclampsia.
Homocysteine: Elevated homocysteine levels were linked to an increased risk of the condition.
Vitamin B12: The association between vitamin B12 levels and preeclampsia was less clear.
Folic Acid Supplementation: Women who reported consistent folic acid supplementation throughout pregnancy showed a reduced risk of preeclampsia.

After adjusting for potential confounders, the study found that higher maternal serum concentrations of folate were associated with a protective effect against preeclampsia, while elevated concentrations of homocysteine were linked to an increased risk. The association between maternal vitamin B12 concentrations and preeclampsia risk was less clear. Women who self-reported consumption of folic acid (1 mg/day) throughout their pregnancy had a non-significant reduction in pre-eclampsia.

Implications and Future Directions

The findings of this study underscore the potential importance of maternal nutrient status in preeclampsia development. While further research is needed to confirm these associations and elucidate the underlying mechanisms, the results highlight the need for randomized trials in low- and middle-income countries to evaluate the efficacy and safety of using high doses of folic acid supplementation during gestational time for pre-eclampsia prevention.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

How might folate, homocysteine, and vitamin B12 levels in pregnant women influence preeclampsia risk?

According to a Colombian study, maternal concentrations of folate, homocysteine, and vitamin B12 may play a role in preeclampsia development. Higher folate levels are associated with a decreased risk, while elevated homocysteine levels are linked to an increased risk. The association between vitamin B12 levels and preeclampsia is less clear. This relationship is complex and further research is required to confirm these associations and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

What were the key findings of the Colombian study regarding the link between preeclampsia and folate, homocysteine, and vitamin B12?

The Colombian study, nested within the Genetics and Pre-eclampsia (GenPE) project, found that higher maternal serum concentrations of folate were associated with a protective effect against preeclampsia. Elevated concentrations of homocysteine were linked to an increased risk. The association between maternal vitamin B12 concentrations and preeclampsia risk was less clear. Additionally, women who self-reported consistent folic acid supplementation (1 mg/day) throughout pregnancy had a non-significant reduction in pre-eclampsia. This suggests a potential benefit of folic acid.

Why is consistent folic acid supplementation important during pregnancy, according to the research?

The Colombian research indicates that consistent folic acid supplementation (1 mg/day) throughout pregnancy is associated with a non-significant reduction in pre-eclampsia. While the reduction was non-significant, the study suggests a potential protective effect of folic acid against the condition. The research highlights the importance of adequate folate intake during pregnancy to potentially mitigate the risk of preeclampsia, which aligns with existing medical recommendations for prenatal care.

What are the broader implications of understanding the relationship between maternal nutrient levels like folate, homocysteine, and vitamin B12 and preeclampsia?

Understanding the relationship between maternal nutrient levels and preeclampsia has significant implications for prenatal care and public health, especially in low- and middle-income countries. The findings from the Colombian study underscore the importance of maternal nutrient status, particularly folate and homocysteine, in preeclampsia development. This understanding could lead to the development of targeted interventions, such as high-dose folic acid supplementation, to prevent preeclampsia and improve maternal and neonatal outcomes. However, further research is needed to confirm these associations and elucidate the underlying mechanisms before widespread implementation.

Given the study findings, what future research directions are recommended to better understand and prevent preeclampsia?

The study findings suggest the need for randomized trials, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, to evaluate the efficacy and safety of using high doses of folic acid supplementation during gestational time for pre-eclampsia prevention. Future research should also focus on elucidating the underlying mechanisms by which folate, homocysteine, and vitamin B12 influence preeclampsia risk. Additionally, further investigations are warranted to confirm these associations and explore potential confounding factors to enhance the understanding of the role of maternal nutrient status in preeclampsia development. Longitudinal studies assessing nutrient levels throughout pregnancy and their impact on preeclampsia risk are valuable.