Seven out of every 10 Indians are Vitamin deficient: Metropolis Study

Pan India study of 14,96,683 samples reveals alarming statistics

Metropolis Healthcare – a multinational chain of diagnostic centres conducted an inclusive study on Vitamin D, Vitamin B12 and Vitamin B9 (Folic Acid) to observe the deficiency and sufficiency of Vitamins within the inhabitants across India. Metropolis conducted a comprehensive pan India study on 14,96,683 samples over a period of three years. The increasing trend of Vitamin deficiency is seen in all the age groups. Among the samples tested across four zones viz, North, South, East, West 75 per cent of population has shown alarming levels of deficiency.

Commenting on the study Dr Sonali Kolte, General Manager, Medico Marketing said, “Indians have a lethargic attitude towards Vitamins. Vitamin deficiencies usually develop slowly over several months to years. Symptoms of Vitamin D deficiency are usually vague muscle/joint pain, weakness, bone pain, tiredness, fatigue or even depression. Nowadays it is observed that people who are deficient in Vitamin D are more likely to have diabetes, regardless of how much they weigh. Early diagnosis and treatment can help control the symptoms and prevent health related problems.”

In an analysis of over 14, 96,683 patients who underwent Vitamin tests, the following trends emerged.

• 81.28 per cent of all samples tested were deficient in Vitamin D
• 21.02 per cent of all samples tested were deficient in Vitamin B12
• 15.06 per cent of all samples tested were deficient in Vitamin B9

Gender wise patterns emerged as below

Vitamins deficiency is prevalent across India. The pan India study also indicated that the majority of the study participants had limited knowledge, poor practices, and an ignorant attitude towards vitamin sufficiency.