Use sunblocks and processed foods? Think again

Just when you thought that applying a sun block cream or picking up processed foods from the shelves of a supermarket was safe, you might have to think again.

With a huge increase in the number of people in terms of suffering from vitamin B12 and vitamin D3 deficiencies, nutritionists advice you to take heed and act immediately on a lifestyle change. Though these deficiencies may not fall in the scary category of cancer, aids, heart attack or diabetes, if not acted upon now might lead to some major headache in the future.

Vitamin B12 is a water soluble vitamin which helps in the formation of blood and also plays an important role in the functioning of the brain and the nervous system. While vitamin D3 is a form of vitamin D that is obtained through human exposure to direct sunlight, it helps to protect adults from osteoporosis.

“Personally, in the last three years 98 per cent patients have both vitamin B12 and D3 deficiencies,” claims nutritionist Sujata Udeshi.

India being a tropical country leaves one wondering how it’s possible to have this deficiency, when we get scorched by the sun every day. “The absorption of sunlight is either hindered or there is simply an absence of exposure to sunlight,” says consulting nutritionist Pooja Makhija. The symptoms may include bone related problems, sudden joint pains. So, who’s to blame for this? “Definitely our lifestyle. We are running around all day, spending more time indoors, using sun blocks in the fear of harmful UV rays,” she says.

Vitamin B12 deficiency is usually considered to be found among vegetarian people. But, in recent times, more non-vegetarian people is being diagnosed with this deficiency.

Sujata explains, “Sixty per cent of the non-vegetarian people suffer from vitamin B12 deficiency. Some bacteria in meat products help in the formation of this vitamin in your body. But, now we mainly resolve to processed meat products. Processing food products kill all the bacteria, good and bad.” The symptoms may include feeling lethargic, getting tired easily, hair loss and a low immune system.

So, how to combat both of these deficiencies?

“There are oral supplements and injections. One can go for injection or oral supplement course — which lasts for six to eight weeks. Mostly injections are much more effective,” says Pooja. At the end of the day simple exposure to the early morning sun for 15-20 minutes will also do wonders for you. Sujata further says that the best time for sunlight exposure is from 10 to 2 at noon. “Even if you can walk for half an hour at 10 on a Sunday morning, it will help you a great deal,” adds Sujata.