Last Updated on January 14, 2024 by The Health Master
New Delhi: A blood test can determine whether you are deficient in any vitamins or not. Many people self-medicate or take dietary supplements for vitamin deficiencies.
A study conducted by Pune-based Apollo Diagnostic has ruled out the deficiency of vitamin D and Vitamin B12 increasing with age and finds that blood tests and doctor consultation are required for taking a proper dose and avoiding risks.
To understand the prevalence of Vitamin D and Vitamin B12 deficiencies in people, Apollo Diagnostic, Pune conducted a study by taking blood samples of 3,000 adult patients who came for a blood test in the last six months, of which 1673 were males and 1327 were females aged between 20-60 years.
It was discovered that approximately 70% of patients lacked Vitamin D and 53% lacked Vitamin B12. Almost 15 percent of patients were taking self-digestion supplements for vitamins.
While sunlight and fortified foods are two possible sources of vitamin D, due to the change in lifestyle and food habits, many people take dietary supplements to get adequate levels of this vitamin.
A doctor may recommend a lower or higher dose for you, depending on your health condition or the level of vitamin D in your blood.
To read more about Vitamins, click here
As per Dr Sanjay Ingle, Zonal Pathologist, and Technical Head West India, Apollo Diagnostic, “Mild to moderate vitamin D deficiency is identified as a risk factor for Type 2 diabetes, due to its protective role against the development of Type 2 diabetes mellitus and its complications.”
It increases insulin resistance and reduces insulin secretion from beta cells of the pancreas.
Vitamin D deficiency has been consistently associated with an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, low bone density, fractures, osteoporosis, and hypertension.
Vitamin B12 deficiency leads to memory loss, depression, muscle weakness, tingling, and numbness.”
“Vitamin D and B12 deficiencies often remain undiagnosed or are undertreated as many people avoid proper investigation for vitamin deficiency and start self-supplementation without recommendations from experts.” Vitamin D and B12 are important for skeletal and nonskeletal health.
The recommended daily intake (RDI) for vitamin B12 over 14 is 2.4 mcg. Eating fatty fish, mushrooms, and eggs, and getting enough of the “sunshine vitamin,’ is the key formula to staying fit and fine throughout life,” Dr. Ingle added
Also read: 20 generic medicines to be launched at 50 % less price
Dr. Anand Kavi, Orthopaedic and Spine Surgeon, Apollo Spectra Pune says, “Vitamin D also called Sunshine Vitamin, and as it is necessary for mineralization and maintenance of our bones, its deficiency can result in soft bones in children and fragile and misshapen bones in adults.”
In the past decade, research has shown it is also important for several other bodily functions and it can prevent some cancers, boost immunity, and help control diabetes and hypertension.
Despite the fact that our country has plenty of sunlight, nearly 70 to 80 percent of people are vitamin D deficient as a result of changing lifestyles and staying indoors, with vague complaints of muscle pain and fatigue. It is necessary to diagnose and correct Vitamin D deficiency via a qualified medical professional. “
Dr. Kavi added, “Similarly, vitamin B12 deficiency is also observed in people on vegan diets and those not consuming eggs or dairy products.
It is also found low in patients with absorption problems or those taking medicines for acidity.”
Its deficiency can cause irritability, depression, disturbed vision, and dysfunction of nerves, it being a water-soluble vitamin it is not stored in our body and needs regular supplementation, the route of administration can be oral or by injections and is best decided by your doctor after proper diagnosis and tests.”
For more ARTICLES on health and fitness, click here
For informative videos by The Health Master, click on the below YouTube icon:
For informative videos on Medical Store / Pharmacy, click on the below YouTube icon:
For informative videos on the news regarding Pharma / Medical Devices / Cosmetics / Homoeopathy etc., click on the below YouTube icon:
For informative videos on consumer awareness, click on the below YouTube icon:
