Major chunk of metropolitan youth have been found couch potatoes

Delhi Youth found Deficient in D (Vitamin) – Study

Delhi December 1:  About 60 percent of Delhi youth have been found couch potatoes. Internet and TV are keeping them indoors. As a result, they are severely deficient in Vitamin D. Pathology major Metropolis has studied micro nutrient Vitamin D in them. Doctors relate this deficiency to depression bouts in them. One fourth of Delhi youths have been found deficient in Vitamin B12 too.

Launching study reports today, Metropolis Healthcare Ltd has revealed that the alarming result has been found among youth of 20-40 age groups. Metropolis considered more than 30,000 samples in the age group of 20-40 years to study levels of vitamin D, and B12; out of which more than 59% were found to be deficient.

The study revealed that out of over 12,500 samples in the age group of 20-40 years tested in last 3 years, 26% suffer from vitamin B12 deficiency. The study also found that the ratio of men and women with vitamin D deficiency in this age group is 1:2.

Vitamin D profile-

Vitamin B12 Profile

 Dr. Puneet Kumar Nigam, Chief of Lab Services, Metropolis Healthcare Ltd said, ‘Despite increased awareness programs majority Indians are deficient in Vitamins, we have not seen any improvement in the trend in the last 3 years.’ Talking about the increasing trend of vitamin deficiency amongst youth, Dr. Puneet said, “India has the largest youth population in the world so, it is important for the youth to be well aware about the health risks associated with vitamin deficiency. Getting tested and taking medical advice from a doctor is important for timely detection and therapeutic intervention.’

Vitamins play an important role in the body and it is important to maintain sufficient levels. Vitamin D is essential for strong bones, because it helps the body use calcium from the diet. Vitamin B9, B12 and other B vitamins play an important role in producing DNA and red blood cells as well as brain chemicals that affect mood and other brain functions. Low levels of vitamin B12 and other B vitamins such as vitamin B-6 and folic acid may be linked to depression. Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms often overlap with those of other diseases and include fatigue, skin pigmentation, and memory loss, tingling in the limbs, cramps, giddiness, palpitations, mouth ulcers and loss of energy. Vitamin B12 deficiency can be prevented by enough intakes of meat, poultry, seafood, milk and dairy products, and eggs.