At Shree Chamunda Piles Clinic, two of the most commonly discovered deficiencies during routine blood tests are Vitamin D and Vitamin B12. Despite India being a sunny country, and despite most patients eating regular meals, deficiencies in these two vitamins are remarkably common — and remarkably under-recognised. Here is everything you need to know.
Vitamin D Deficiency
How Common Is It?
Studies estimate that 70–90% of Indians have sub-optimal Vitamin D levels. This includes people who spend time outdoors, eat well, and have no obvious risk factors. It is one of the most surprising public health problems in a country that receives abundant sunlight.
Why Are So Many Indians Deficient?
- Skin pigmentation: Darker skin requires more sun exposure to produce the same amount of Vitamin D as lighter skin
- Covered skin and indoor lifestyles: Traditional clothing, sun avoidance, and office/home-based work limit sun exposure
- Air pollution: Smog in cities like Ahmedabad blocks UVB rays
- Glass windows: UVB rays cannot penetrate glass — sitting near a window provides warmth, not Vitamin D
- Limited dietary sources: Vitamin D is present in very few foods (fatty fish, egg yolk, fortified milk)
- Vegetarian diets: Plant foods contain virtually no Vitamin D
Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency
- Persistent fatigue and low energy despite adequate sleep
- Bone and muscle pain, especially in the lower back, hips, and legs
- Frequent illness and infections (weakened immunity)
- Mood changes — depression and anxiety are associated with low Vitamin D
- Hair loss (severe deficiency)
- In children: rickets, delayed development, bowed legs
Test it: A simple 25-OH Vitamin D blood test confirms deficiency. Levels below 20 ng/mL are deficient; 20–30 is insufficient; above 30 is optimal.
Correcting Vitamin D Deficiency
- Sunlight: 15–30 minutes of direct sun (arms and legs exposed) between 10 AM and 2 PM, 3–4 times per week
- Supplementation: Dr. Panchal typically recommends Vitamin D3 supplements (60,000 IU weekly for 8–12 weeks, then maintenance). Do not self-medicate — too much Vitamin D is toxic.
- Diet: Egg yolks, fatty fish (mackerel, tuna), fortified milk and cereals
Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Who Is at Risk?
B12 is found almost exclusively in animal products — meat, fish, eggs, and dairy. Those at highest risk include:
- Strict vegetarians and vegans — the most at-risk group in India
- Older adults (reduced stomach acid impairs B12 absorption)
- People on long-term antacid or metformin (diabetes medication) use
- Those with digestive conditions (Crohn's, celiac, IBS)
- Infants breastfed by B12-deficient mothers
Symptoms of B12 Deficiency
- Extreme fatigue and weakness
- Tingling or numbness in hands and feet (peripheral neuropathy)
- Memory problems, brain fog, difficulty concentrating
- Anaemia (large, abnormal red blood cells — megaloblastic anaemia)
- Pale or yellowish skin
- Depression or mood disturbances
- Glossitis (inflamed, sore tongue)
- In severe, prolonged cases: permanent neurological damage
Important: Neurological symptoms from B12 deficiency can be irreversible if left untreated for too long. If you have tingling, weakness, or memory problems, test your B12 promptly.
Treating B12 Deficiency
- Dietary sources: Eggs, paneer, milk, curd, fish — include at least one daily
- Oral supplements: B12 tablets (Methylcobalamin 1500 mcg daily) for mild-moderate deficiency
- Injections: For severe deficiency or poor absorption, monthly B12 injections are more effective than oral supplements
Both Vitamin D and B12 are routinely checked as part of our annual health review at Shree Chamunda Piles Clinic. If you have any of the symptoms described above — especially unexplained fatigue, body aches, or tingling — come in for a simple blood test. The solution is often straightforward once the deficiency is identified.
Have a health question?
Book a consultation with Dr. Rohit Panchal at Shree Chamunda Piles Clinic, Chandlodiya, Ahmedabad.