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LATEST NEWS UPDATES | 75% of Indians suffer vitamin deficiency: Study -Janani Sampath

75% of Indians suffer vitamin deficiency: Study -Janani Sampath

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published Published on Oct 18, 2015   modified Modified on Oct 18, 2015
-The Times of India

CHENNAI: More than seven out of ten Indians lack in vitamins, and most of them suffer from vitamin D deficiency that is linked to Alzheimer's disease, prostate cancer, erectile dysfunction and schizophrenia.

Chennai-based Metropolis Healthcare studied 14,96,683 samples over three years and found an increasing trend of deficiency in vitamin D, vitamin B12 and vitamin B9 (Folic Acid) among all age groups of Indians.

The samples tested across four zones showed that 75% of the population was deficient in three vital vitamins. While 21.02% were deficient in vitamin B12 and 15.06% deficient in vitamin B9, 81.28% of all samples were deficient in vitamin D. Dr Sonali Kolte of Metropolis said symptoms of vitamin D deficiency can be vague, with muscle or joint pain, weakness, and depression. "Vitamin deficiencies usually show slowly. Nowadays, it is observed that people deficient in Vitamin D are more likely to have diabetes, regardless of how much they weigh," Dr Sonali Kolte said.

Consultant dietician Dr R Kumudha said vitamin B9, B12, B-6 and folic acid play an important role in producing DNA and red blood cells, as well as brain chemicals that affect mood and other brain functions. Low levels of these essential vitamins may lead to depression. "Vitamin B12 deficiency can be prevented by eating meat, poultry, seafood, milk and dairy products, and eggs," he said.

Lack of Vitamin B12 is so staggering that it is the culprit behind the suboptimal blood levels of nearly half the Indian population, said consultant nutritionist Dr Deepa Agarwal of Asian Bariatrics. Vita min B12 is stored in the liver for a year or more, which reduces a person's risk of anaemia. The body needs vitamin D to absorb calcium and promote bone growth.

The study found that Vitamin B9 or folic acid was deficient especially in the 20-40 age group. Vitamin B9 is vital for pregnant women to prevent anaemia and major birth defects in the baby.

The study indicated that the majority of the population had poor practices and were ignorant of vitamin sufficiency. "Early diagnosis and treatment can help control the symptoms and prevent health problems. Awareness about risks and benefits of vitamins is needed," said Dr Kolte.

The Union health ministry, meanwhile, has issued national guidelines for control of iron deficiency anaemia, and joined hands with Unicef for the weekly iron and folic acid supplementation programme.

The Times of India, 18 October, 2015, http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/75-of-Indians-suffer-vitamin-deficiency-Study/articleshow/49436598.cms


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