Diagnostic Signs and Symptoms of Cyanocobalamin Deficiency in Rural India: Novel Supplementation Method

The study at Bawaskar Hospital in India examined 1,992 patients and found a high prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency, particularly among vegetarians (98%) compared to nonvegetarians (1.35%). Common symptoms included scalp hair loss (13.5%), poor memory (12%), and generalized weakness (19.4%). The deficiency is linked to dietary habits, malabsorption, and certain medications. A novel supplementation method was proposed, where vitamin B12 powder is added to food like table salt, effectively improving blood vitamin levels. This approach is beneficial in rural settings with limited laboratory access, emphasizing the importance of clinical signs in detecting B12 deficiency.