Lowest Deficiency of Vitamin D & Vitamin B12 in Indian Old Population and Postmenopausal Women

Abstract

Background: The present study compared the prevalence of deficiency of these components in various

groups of Indian population.

Methods: The serum concentrations for vitamin D, iron, vitamin B12, cholesterol and calcium were

determined by an automated analyzer with the use of commercial kits.

Results: Vitamin D and vitamin B12 deficiency was significantly higher in young population in comparison

to older age group. Older age groups were found to have low cholesterol levels, high vitamin D and vitamin

B12 levels when compared with other age groups. Female infants have lower prevalence of vitamin D

deficiency and high prevalence of vitamin B12 and iron deficiency when compared with male infants.

Female adults and young population showed significantly low levels of iron in comparison to age matched

males. Premenopausal women had significantly low levels and high prevalence of deficiency vitamin D and

vitamin B12 in comparison to postmenopausal women.

Conclusion: This study recommend supplementation of multivitamins to all pre-menopausal women

and breast fed infants regardless of being given formula feeds. This study also showed that prevalence of

deficiency of these components changes within various age groups and young population is at high risk of

vitamin deficiency.