AMC Hospital site icon featuring a medical heart pulse line and stethoscope icon, representing Advanced Medical Care in Gachibowli, Hyderabad.
AMC HOSPITAL
Book Appointment
Call
Directions
Book

Vitamin D and B12 Deficiency in Indians: Why It Is So Common

By /
Illustrated cover for the article "Vitamin D and B12 Deficiency in Indians: Why It Is So Common" from the Nutrition & Diet series by Dr. Akhila Reddy, AMC Hospital, Gachibowli, Hyderabad
Vitamin D and B12 Deficiency in Indians: Why It Is So Common: a nutrition & diet guide by Dr. Akhila Reddy, MBBS, DNB (Family Medicine), AMC Hospital, Gachibowli.

Almost every week, I see someone tired, with body pain and hair fall, and their reports show low vitamin D or B12. Surprisingly, these deficiencies are common even in a sunny country like ours.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium and keeps bones and muscles strong. We make it when sunlight falls on our skin. But many Indians work indoors, wear covering clothes, use sunscreen, or have darker skin, which makes less vitamin D. Studies have found low levels in a large part of the Indian population.

Signs of low vitamin D

  • Bone and muscle pain, especially in the back and legs.
  • Tiredness and weakness.
  • Frequent falls or fractures in older people.
  • In children: delayed walking, bowed legs.

Vitamin B12

B12 is needed for nerves and blood. It comes from animal foods like milk, curd, eggs, fish and meat. Strict vegetarians are at risk, and so are people who use metformin for a long time or acidity medicines for years, and older adults.

Signs of low B12

  • Tingling or numbness in hands and feet.
  • Tiredness, pale skin, anaemia.
  • Mouth ulcers, sore tongue.
  • Memory problems and low mood.

What to do

  • Ask your doctor for blood tests, rather than guessing.
  • Get 10 to 20 minutes of mid-morning sun on your arms and legs a few days a week, without burning.
  • Eat milk, curd, eggs, fish and fortified foods.
  • If low, follow your doctor’s dose of vitamin D or B12 tablets or injections. Do not take high-dose vitamin D without checking, as too much can be harmful.
  • Recheck after 3 months.

A note

Many “multivitamins” do not contain enough of what you need. Targeted treatment works better and costs less.

If you live in Gopanpally, Gowlidoddi, Nallagandla or Tellapur, or work in the Financial District or Nanakramguda, you can get simple, practical food guidance at our clinic in Gachibowli. Contact us to book a visit.

Keep reading

Your family doctor,
Akhila Reddy
MBBS, DNB (Family Medicine) | TSMC Reg. No. APMC/FMR/74261
AMC Hospital, Gopanpally, Gachibowli, Hyderabad

This article is for general health education and does not replace a check-up. Every person is different, so please speak to your doctor before changing any medicine. In an emergency, call 108 or go to the nearest hospital.

References

  • Aparna P et al. Vitamin D deficiency in India. J Family Med Prim Care 2018;7(2):324-330.
  • Holick MF. Vitamin D deficiency. N Engl J Med 2007;357:266-281.
  • Stabler SP. Vitamin B12 deficiency. N Engl J Med 2013;368:149-160.
Scroll to Top