Veggie Indians more prone to heart disease

There is bitter news on World Heart Day for Indians, almost 80% of whom are staunch vegetarians. While a high-fat diet, cholesterol, triglycerides, high blood pressure and a family history of heart disease are known contributory factors for cardiac problems, a research paper presented by city-based bariatric Dr Shashank Shah suggests that vegetarians are at higher risk of developing heart ailments.

“We found that Indians are grossly deficient in vitamin B12, which is a crucial cardio-protective factor in the body. Vitamin B12 is usually found in food that comes from animals, like fish, meat, poultry, milk and milk products. However, since a lot of Indians are vegetarians, they do not get adequate amounts of vitamin B12 in their diet,” explained Dr Shah, ahead of World Heart Day on September 26.

Dr Shah, along with another bariatric surgeon Dr Jayshree Todkar, presented the study at the World Congress held by International Federation for Obesity and Metabolic Diseases in Los Angeles in the first week of September.

Even non-vegetarian Indians are at risk. “This is because the average amount of animal products consumed by a non-vegetarian in India is not sufficient. Our research revealed that the meat intake of a person living in the western world equals that of five non-vegetarians in India,” Dr Shah said, pointing out that the overall vitamin B12 intake of any Indian is lower than his western counterpart.

Dr Shah studied about 300 patients at Hiranandani Hospital, Powai, over a period of one year, and found that about 70% of them had cardiac risk or cardiac disease, and all of them suffered from vitamin B12 deficiency.

“When vitamin B12 levels fall, homocysteine levels increase. The latter is known to cause atherosclerosis (hardening and narrowing of the arteries), as well as an increased risk of heart attacks, strokes and blood clot formation,” explained Dr Shah.

“A simple blood test can detect B12 deficiency. So, while focusing on the other known factors, I would recommend people to have their vitamin levels checked, find out what’s lacking in their diet and have it corrected,” urged Dr Shah.

Isolated vitamin B12 is available at chemists. “Vegetarians for whom consuming animal products is not an option can consume milk and milk products. Roots and tubers — vegetables that grow below the ground are also a source of vitamin B12,” said dietician Dr Richa Anand, agreeing that vitamin B12 deficiency is a cause for concern.