JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Micronutrient deficiencies specifically involving vitamin D, vitamin B12, and folate—are increasingly recognized as critical but underexplored contributors to adverse outcomes in cancer care. These nutrients are vital for immune function, DNA synthesis and repair, and cellular proliferation, all of which are often disrupted in oncology patients. Factors such as treatment-induced metabolic changes, malabsorption, and anorexia commonly predispose cancer patients to these deficiencies.

Objective:

This scoping review aims to systematically map the existing evidence on the prevalence, determinants, and clinical implications of vitamin D, B12, and folate deficiencies in cancer patients. The focus is on treatment-related outcomes such as therapeutic efficacy, toxicity, survival, and quality of life.

Methods:

This scoping review aims to systematically map the existing evidence on the prevalence, determinants, and clinical implications of vitamin D, B12, and folate deficiencies in cancer patients. The focus is on treatment-related outcomes such as therapeutic efficacy, toxicity, survival, and quality of life.

Results:

This review will provide a descriptive and thematic synthesis of the literature on micronutrient deficiencies in oncology. The findings are expected to inform clinical guidelines regarding micronutrient assessment and supplementation, identify evidence gaps for future research, and support the integration of nutritional monitoring into personalized cancer care, particularly in low-resource settings.

Conclusions:

By mapping current evidence, this scoping review will help clarify the clinical significance of vitamin D, B12, and folate deficiencies in cancer treatment and survivorship. It will also guide strategies for improved nutritional support and outcome optimization in oncology care.