AIIMS Doctor Warns: Vegetarians Face Higher Risk of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Health experts from AIIMS have recently raised a serious concern regarding the increasing number of vegetarians developing Vitamin B12 deficiency. According to the doctor, people who follow a strict vegetarian or vegan diet are more likely to face low vitamin B12 levels because this nutrient is mainly found in animal-based foods like meat, eggs, and fish.
This warning has created a strong debate on social media, especially in India — where a large part of the population follows a vegetarian lifestyle.
🧠 Why Vitamin B12 Is Important
Vitamin B12 plays a key role in the body and supports:
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Red blood cell formation
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Brain and nerve function
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Hormonal balance
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Energy levels
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DNA and cell repair
When levels drop, the body slowly starts showing silent but dangerous symptoms.
⚠️ Symptoms of Vitamin B12 Deficiency
A person may not notice early signs, but over time symptoms may include:
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Constant tiredness or weakness
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Mood swings, anxiety or irritability
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Memory issues or brain fog
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Pale or yellowish skin
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Tingling or numbness in hands or feet
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Hair fall and brittle nails
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Shortness of breath
Ignoring the symptoms can lead to serious long-term nerve damage.
🥗 Why Vegetarians Are at Higher Risk
Since plants do not naturally produce Vitamin B12, vegetarians and vegans rely mostly on:
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Dairy products
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Fortified foods
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Supplements
Without proper planning, a vegetarian diet may fall short in meeting daily recommended levels.
✔️ How Vegetarians Can Prevent B12 Deficiency
To maintain healthy levels, experts recommend:
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Consume dairy products like milk, curd, paneer, cheese
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Add B12-fortified cereals, nutritional yeast, and plant milk
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Consider a Vitamin B12 supplement (only after doctor recommendation)
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Get regular blood tests if symptoms are visible
Early awareness and small dietary changes can prevent long-term health complications.
🧾 Conclusion
The AIIMS warning is a reminder that even healthy diets need balance. Being vegetarian is not unhealthy, but missing essential nutrients — especially Vitamin B12 — can lead to serious health problems.
👉 If you are vegetarian, monitoring your B12 intake and doing regular health checkups can protect you from silent deficiency.