Suresh K Langhani, Loung V Umedani, Bar Agha M Akbar.
Status of Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Strict Lacto-Vegetarian Rural Population from Tharparkar, Pakistan.
Ann Jinnah Sindh Med Uni Jan ;3(1):6-10.

Objective: Prevalence of vitamin B12 deficiency among vegetarians of Tharparkar, Pakistan Methodology: An observational case control study was carried out after ethical approval from Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) in 2012. Two hundred subjects were conveniently selected from a Tharparkar village (100 strict lacto-vegetarians and 100 non-vegetarians). After a physical examination of the participants, blood samples were collected and sent for estimation of serum B12 levels, full blood counts etc. The data from these groups were analyzed descriptively and statistically by SPSS-16. Results: The mean age of the strict-vegetarian group was 30.5 years (± 8.3) and that of non-vegetarians was 30.1 years (± 9.2). Male to female ratio was 3.4:1.0. Vitamin B12 deficiency was found in 83% of strictvegetarians and 66% of non-vegetarians; anaemia was present in 36% vegetarians versus only 20% of nonvegetarians. Conclusion: The vitamin B12 deficiency was predominantly found in strict-vegetarians who also displayed alarming levels that could produce neuropathy. Carrying out homocysteine and methylmalonic acid levels is recommended alongside providing vitamin B12 supplementations to the high-risk population of Tharparkar. Key words: Vitamin B12 deficiency, strict lacto-vegetarians, macrocytic anaemia, neuropathy, dietary habits, Tharparkar

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