The user urged for a ‘polio-like drive’ to raise awareness and address these deficiencies.
“India desperately needs another polio-like drive but for adults with Vitamin D + B12 deficiency,” the post read. Several studies suggest that a large portion of the Indian population, across age groups and lifestyles, is affected by these deficiencies.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Vitamin D insufficiency include weakness, lethargy, tiredness, bone issues such as osteoporosis, which can cause fractures, and rickets in children.
Similarly, Vitamin B12 is vital for the growth and function of our nervous system, as well as the generation of blood cells.
Its deficiency can cause megaloblastic anaemia and a variety of neurological system problems, including imbalance, tingling or numbness in the extremities, and memory problems.
Why are Vitamin D and B12 deficiencies so common in Indians
According to the National Library of Medicine, Vitamin D insufficiency is widespread across India, with prevalence rates ranging from 70% to 100% in the general population. In India, commonly consumed foods like dairy products are rarely fortified with vitamin D. Indian socioreligious and cultural practices do not promote proper sun exposure, undermining the potential benefits of abundant sunshine.
As a result, subclinical vitamin D deficiency is common in both urban and rural areas, as well as among all socioeconomic and geographic strata. A high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in India is also linked to the infrequent fortification of commonly consumed foods with vitamin D.
According to Subhrojyoti Bhowmick, medical superintendent, Peerless Hospital, Kolkata, “Vitamin D deficiency is rapidly gaining epidemic proportions, yet it is the most under-diagnosed and under-treated nutritional deficiency in the world.”
“Vitamin D, which can be synthesised in the body on sun exposure, is essential to maintain calcium homeostasis in the body for good bone health,” reported The Times of India (2015).
Vitamin B12 insufficiency is thought to be common in the Indian population. Vitamin B12 insufficiency is prevalent in the north Indian population, accounting for 47%, according to the National Library of Medicine.
People with diabetes have higher vitamin B12 levels than the general population, although the prevalence of insufficiency remains significant.
“Vitamin D and B12 deficiencies are alarmingly prevalent in India, impacting a large proportion of adults,” Dr Rakesh Gupta, Senior Consultant, Internal Medicine, Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, was quoted as saying by The Financial Express.
“Urbanised, indoor-centric lifestyles, cultural clothing that covers most of the skin, and sunscreen use all limit natural Vitamin D synthesis,” he added.
According to Dr Gupta, B12 is mostly found in animal-based diets, making India’s vast vegetarian population particularly vulnerable. “Malabsorption due to conditions like celiac disease or gastrointestinal infections also contributes to the problem.”
How to prevent and manage vitamin deficiencies:
To address vitamin deficiencies, focus on dietary changes, supplementation, and addressing underlying medical conditions. Consulting a healthcare professional is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Here are a few of the most common treatment approaches:
Eat things recommended by your healthcare provider to get more of the vitamins you need.
Fortified foods contain additional nutrients. Enriched foods contain additional nutrients to compensate for those lost during processing. Milk containing vitamins A, B2, or D is an example of a fortified food. Enriched foods include flour, sugar and certain food oils with added A or B vitamins.
Sunlight is a natural and efficient way for your body to produce vitamin D, often called the ‘sunshine vitamin’.
Oral supplements are widely available over the counter at pharmacies and grocery stores. For individuals experiencing vitamin deficiencies, higher doses may be prescribed by a healthcare provider.
When vitamin levels are severely low, a healthcare provider can prescribe vitamin injections or intravenous (IV) infusions to quickly replenish the body’s supply.
Additionally, some vitamins are available in patch form, allowing for slow absorption through the skin.
Are vitamin deficiencies preventable?
Vitamin deficiencies are normally avoided, although they do occur for causes beyond your control. That is especially true with your genetic diseases or other circumstances. You can still develop them even if you eat healthy foods. However, eating a wide range of food rich in vitamins and other critical nutrients is the most effective method to avoid or lower your chances of acquiring these conditions.
Vegetables, fruits, and lean protein are some of these examples. Another important measure you may take is to visit your primary care provider at least once a year.
Regular checkups typically include blood testing, which can detect vitamin deficiencies before you experience or notice a symptom.
“Early detection and awareness can prevent immense suffering. Just as India eradicated polio through a mass movement, we need a similar drive against Vitamin D and B12 deficiencies,” Dr Gupta added.