THE IMPORTANCE OF VITAMIN D AND B12 IN WOMEN'S HEALTH DURING MENOPAUSE

Abstract

Menopause is a physiological stage characterized by declining ovarian function and hormonal changes that may affect bone health, metabolism, and quality of life. Vitamin D contributes to calcium and phosphorus homeostasis and bone mineralization, whereas vitamin B12 is essential for DNA synthesis, blood cell formation, and nervous system function. This article aimed to analyze the importance of vitamins D and B12 in women's health during menopause, focusing on bone health, neurological and hematological functions, and supplementation. A narrative literature review was developed using publications indexed in PubMed and complementary bibliographic searches in Google Scholar. Observational studies, clinical trials, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and consensus documents relevant to the topic were considered. The literature confirms the physiological importance of both vitamins, but shows that supplementation effects depend on baseline nutritional status, clinical characteristics, and the outcome assessed. For vitamin D, an increase in serum concentration does not necessarily translate into a consistent reduction in fractures in all women. For vitamin B12, correcting deficiency is important to prevent or treat hematological and neurological manifestations, but its independent association with bone mineral density remains uncertain. Individualized nutritional assessment is therefore essential, avoiding indiscriminate supplementation and distinguishing established physiological benefits from preventive effects that remain unproven.