Vitamins are essential to keep our bodies healthy and improve the overall quality of our lives. However, vitamin deficiencies often go unnoticed due to being asymptomatic. Testing is often recommended as a reliable way to detect deficiencies and develop a care plan.
Vitamins are foundational for our everyday health. There are 13 essential vitamins that act as co-factors for metabolic development, help with energy production, support immune function and promote cell growth and development. Among all the necessary vitamins, two stand out for their frequent deficiency: vitamin D and vitamin B12.
What is Vitamin D?
Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps with calcium absorption. This vitamin is essential for maintaining and improving bone health, supporting muscle function, metabolic health, as well as maintaining energy levels daily. Also called “the sun vitamin”, the body makes vitamin D naturally when exposed to the sun. However, nutritional supplements and fortified food sources like fatty fish, beef liver, cheese, egg yolks and mushrooms can also help fulfil some of the vitamin D requirements.
Vitamin D contribute significantly to brain health, mood and neurological function. And testing is necessary to ensure the body has the right amount of Vitamin D.
Vitamin D deficiency can lead to:
- Weak bones and increased risk of osteoporosis
- Bone pain, tenderness and muscle aches
- Increased risk of fractures, especially in older adults
- Loss in bone density
- Weakened immune system
- Impaired wound healing
- Constant fatigue and mood changes
- Frequent infections
- Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Vitamin D deficiency is more prevalent in individuals leading a sedentary lifestyle, as well as those with limited exposure to natural sunlight and who have higher skin melanin content. Other than that, causes of vitamin D deficiency may also include,
- Certain medical conditions
- Weight loss surgery
- Medications
Measuring Vitamin D levels through a vitamin D test can help assess vitamin D levels in the body and risk factors involved, if any.
What is Vitamin B12?
Vitamin B12 is a water-soluble vitamin that is involved in the cellular metabolic process in the body. Also known as cobalamin, vitamin B12 is essential for red blood cell formation (hematopoiesis), DNA synthesis and several neurological functions. Vitamin B12 is naturally found in animal-based food sources, such as meat, shellfish, eggs and dairy products. Some plant-based foods are also fortified with B12 and are available for those on vegetarian and vegan diets.
Vitamin B12 deficiency is more common in:
- Individuals above 50 years of age have an increased risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD)
- Those who follow vegan or vegetarian diets
- Have undergone a stomach or intestinal surgery
- Have digestive conditions such as celiac disease or Crohn’s disease
- Take medications for diabetes or heartburn
Common symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include:
- Consistent fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Heart palpitations
- Soreness in the mouth and on the tongue
- Blurry vision
- Mood swings and irritability
- Tingling or numbness
- Paleness
Vitamins are the silent workhorses that keep our metabolism up and working efficiently. Symptoms of vitamin D and B12 deficiency are often attributed to stress, ageing and other causes. And without testing, a deficiency may linger and increase over time. Testing is a valuable tool that helps healthcare providers detect a deficiency in its early stages and provide appropriate medical care.
One can book vitamin D and vitamin B12 tests online from a trusted diagnostic facility and take the initiative to a healthier life.
If you’re planning to get your Vitamin D and B12 levels checked, it’s worth exploring a complete health package too. The Whole Body Checkup Price in Mumbai can vary based on the lab and the number of tests included, but Max Lab offer budget-friendly options. Comparing packages helps you find a checkup that fits your needs while giving a clearer picture of your overall health.
