Yes, Low B12 and Iron do have their affect on ovulation. Like everyone, when embarking on a fertility journey, many people focus on the “big” things: timing, cycle tracking, and reproductive hormones like estrogen and progesterone. But the most important thing like B12 and Iron are most ignored, or we say not even taken into consideration.
However, beneath the surface of these hormones, which almost everyone considers to be their priority, there lies a complex biochemical engine that requires specific fuel to run. Two of the most critical, yet often overlooked, components of this fuel are Vitamin B12 and Iron.
If you have been struggling to conceive or noticed irregularities in your cycle, it’s time to look at your blood work. This is an important element to be considered if you wish to conceive. Deficiencies in these two nutrients don’t just make you tired; they can act as a “stop sign” for your reproductive system.
Iron is most famous for its role in creating hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen to your tissues. But for someone trying to conceive, iron serves a much more specific purpose: supporting follicular development.
Research, including the landmark “Nurses’ Health Study II,” has shown a significant correlation between iron supplementation and a decreased risk of ovulatory infertility (infertility caused by a failure to ovulate).
When iron levels are low—even if you aren’t yet “anemic”—your body enters a state of resource conservation. Your brain perceives a lack of oxygen-carrying capacity and may deprioritize non-essential functions. Unfortunately, in the eyes of your biology, reproduction is “non-essential” compared to keeping your heart and brain oxygenated.
While iron handles the oxygen, Vitamin B12 handles the blueprint. B12 is essential for cellular division and DNA synthesis. Because ovulation involves a rapid burst of cellular activity and the “maturation” of genetic material within the egg, B12 is non-negotiable.
A B12 deficiency can lead to a condition where your body produces eggs that are not genetically viable, or it may prevent the follicle from releasing the egg entirely.
The “Double Whammy”: When Both Are Low
It is incredibly common for B12 and Iron deficiencies to travel together, particularly in women with heavy periods (which depletes iron) or those on plant-based diets (which can lack B12).
When both are low, the body faces a metabolic crisis. You may experience:
How do you know if your “unexplained infertility” or irregular cycles are actually nutrient-based? Your body usually sends signals long before you stop ovulating.
| Symptom | Potential Deficiency |
| Extreme fatigue & shortness of breath | Iron (Anemia) |
| Brittle nails and cold hands/feet | Iron |
| Tingling in hands or feet (paresthesia) | Vitamin B12 |
| Brain fog and “tongue soreness.” | Vitamin B12 |
| Pale skin and dark circles under the eyes | Both |
If you suspect your levels are low, the first step is testing, not guessing. Taking high-dose iron when you don’t need it can be oxidative and harmful, so always check with a provider.
Ovulation is a biological luxury, especially when you want to conceive. It is the result of a body that feels safe, nourished, and oxygenated, as this is the most important aspect. By addressing B12 and Iron deficiencies, you aren’t just fixing a lab value, but you are giving your ovaries the tools they need to produce healthy eggs, and your uterus the blood flow it needs to support life.
If your cycles are irregular, don’t just look at your hormones. Look at your blood as well. The solution to your fertility struggles might be as simple as replenishing your internal stores. Still, if you are not able to figure out a solution, come to Aveya IVF centre, we will help you in the best possible way.