STATUS OF VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY IN NORTHERN INDIA: A CLINICAL STUDY

Shanki Kaundal*, Uttam, Vatika Gupta and Umang Thakur

ABSTRACT

Background: Paucity of studies reporting vitamin B12 status in sub Himalayan region has led to the present study of estimating the proportion of vitamin B12 deficiency in people attending general OPD in sub-himalayan region of northern India and evaluating their clinical profile. Method: This prospective study was a conducted at secondary care hospital in northern India for the period of 6 months. All suspected cases of vitamin B12 deficiency of either sex or age attending general OPD were were investigated for anaemia and vitamin B12 deficiency. Results: Prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency was 38.4%. Maximum cases 25 (36.7%) were reported from the age group > 60years, and the lowest cases 5 (29.41%) from age less than 20 years. Prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency was observed more in females. Prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in female and males was 41.6% and 28.2% respectively. Prevalence of B12 deficiency in vegetarian and non-vegetarian were 43.6% and 27.7 % respectively. Most prevalent hematological finding was anaemia 106 out of 164 cases (64.3%). Conclusion: Estimated prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency in north Indian population is 38% which is considerably high. Higher pravelance of vitamin B12 deficiency was found in female patients. High prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency among vegetarians makes its introduction essential, either through supplements or fortified foods as plant based diet is scarce in vitamin B12.

Keywords: Vitamin B12 Deficiency, Vegetarian, Diabetes.