Vitamin D is an essential nutrient that plays a key role in cell function as well as in calcium and bone metabolism in the body. The only source of vitamin D is through exposure to sunlight.
Despite India receiving ample sunlight, Indians are deficient in vitamin D as we hardly venture out in the sun, Dr. Paritosh Baghel, Senior Consultant-Internal Medicine, S. L. Raheja Hospital Mahim told Financial Express.com.
According to Dr. Baghel, deficiency of vitamin D can lead to symptoms such as weakness, fatigue, tiredness, problems related to bones such as osteoporosis which can cause fractures, rickets in children. Vitamin D deficiency has also been linked to diabetes. Adequate sun exposure is the key to avoiding vitamin D deficiency, he maintained.
Similarly, Vitamin B12 plays an important role in the development and functioning of our nervous system, as well as in the formation of blood cells.
It belongs to the vitamin B complex group. Deficiency of Vitamin B12 can lead to megaloblastic anemia and various nervous system issues, such as imbalance, tingling or numbness in the limbs, and memory problems. Vitamin B12 is primarily found in non-vegetarian foods like fish and meat, and hence its deficiency is very common in vegetarians,” Dr. Baghel told Financial Express.com.
If you experience any symptoms suggesting a deficiency in these important vitamins, consult a doctor to check your levels of vitamin D and B12, he said.
It’s advisable to start supplements under medical guidance to address the deficiency. It’s important to note that an overdose of vitamin D can lead to toxicity, so it’s essential to consult a doctor before starting any multivitamin supplements,” he added.
What are the symptoms of vitamin D deficiency?
According to Yale Medicine, possible symptoms include:
- Muscle pain
- Bone pain
- Increased sensitivity to pain
- A tingly, “pins-and-needles” sensation in the hands or feet
- Muscle weakness in body parts near the trunk of the body, such as the upper arms or thighs
- Waddling while walking, due to muscle weakness in the hips or legs
- A history of broken bones
- Muscle twitches or tremors
- Muscle spasms
- Bowed legs (when the deficiency is severe)
What are the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency?
Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause physical, neurological and psychological symptoms. According to Cleveland Clinics, the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include:
- Feeling very tired or weak.
- Experiencing nausea, vomiting or diarrhea.
- Not feeling as hungry as usual.
- Weight loss.
- Having a sore mouth or tongue.
- Having yellowish skin.
- Numbness or tingling in your hands and feet.
- Vision problems.
- Having a hard time remembering things or getting confused easily.
- Having a difficult time walking or speaking like you usually do.
- Feeling depressed.
- Feeling irritable.
- Experiencing a change in the way you feel and behave.
How to treat vitamin D and vitamin B12 deficiencies?
Options for vitamin B12 treatment include:
- Vitamin B12 oral medication.
- Vitamin B12 intramuscular injections (a shot that goes into your muscle).
- Vitamin B12 nasal gel.
- Vitamin B12 nasal spray.
Options for vitamin D treatment include:
- Vitamin D-rich foods as well as supplements can help in treating vitamin D deficiency.