Abstract
BACKGROUND: Vitamin B12 deficiency is a significant nutritional concern linked to megaloblastic anemia and neurological complications, and high-quality research is essential to address these health issues effectively. While highly cited publications have substantial influence on the field, there remains a need to assess the methodological rigor, research trends, and quality of these impactful studies. This bibliometric analysis aims to evaluate the top 50 most-cited articles on Vitamin B12 deficiency, with a focus on identifying research gaps, trends, and areas for future investigation. METHODOLOGY: A comprehensive literature search was conducted in the Web of Science database to identify the 50 most-cited articles on Vitamin B12 deficiency. Key terms included MeSH headings and keywords related to Vitamin B12 deficiency, and articles were included based on criteria such as peer-reviewed status, citation count, and focus on human subjects. Data extraction covered publication details (year, country, and journal), study characteristics (design, primary topic), and citation information. The selected articles were analyzed for authorship patterns, country contributions, study design distribution, and research topics to evaluate trends and gaps within the field. RESULTS: The analysis revealed a predominance of research originating from developed countries, with the US contributing 44% of the top-cited studies, followed by the UK at 16%. The most common study design was the review article (56%), and the highest level of evidence achieved was Level 1 in 14% of studies. Research topics primarily focused on management (38%), causes (36%), and diagnosis (32%) of Vitamin B12 deficiency. A gender disparity was noted in authorship, with male senior authors representing 62% of the studies. CONCLUSION: This bibliometric analysis highlights the need for more diverse and experimental research approaches in Vitamin B12 deficiency studies, particularly from underrepresented regions. The reliance on observational and review-based designs suggests an opportunity for more rigorous methodologies, such as RCTs, to enhance the evidence base.