The new study conducted among urban Indian corporate employees, has found that vitamin B12 deficiency, crucial for neurological function and energy metabolism, was significantly higher among men, with 57.16 per cent showing insufficient or deficient levels. Meanwhile, 49.9 per cent of women also exhibited deficiencies, emphasising the importance of dietary adjustments and supplementation for overall well-being.
The study was released earlier this week by Indian digital healthcare company MediBuddy highlighting nutrient deficiencies among Indian corporate professionals aged 40–50. It analysed data from around 4,400 individuals (3,338 men and 1,059 women) in the age group, brings to the fore the urgent need for targeted health interventions and preventive care strategies, particularly for men who exhibit a higher prevalence of key deficiency.
Contrary to the common belief that urban men have an adequate diet, the study suggests that poor gut absorption, dietary choices, and a predominantly vegetarian diet could be contributing factors to this widespread deficiency. Several underlying reasons may explain this trend:
1. Poor absorption: Even in individuals consuming B12-rich foods, malabsorption issues such as suboptimal stomach acid production (common with age), gastrointestinal disorders, or long-term use of medications like antacids and metformin can hinder effective B12 absorption. Another big issue is gut microbiome imbalance causing poor absorption.
2. Dietary choices: Corporate professionals, particularly vegetarians or vegans, are at a higher risk of deficiency since natural sources of B12 are primarily found in animal-based foods (meat, fish, dairy, and eggs). Even those consuming dairy and eggs may still struggle to meet their daily requirements without fortified foods or supplementation.
3. Sedentary lifestyles and metabolic stress: High-pressure corporate jobs often lead to erratic eating habits, increased alcohol consumption, nicotine use and stress, which can further deplete B12 levels.
Dr Gowri Kulkarni, head of medical operations, MediBuddy, speaking about the findings, said, “Preventive care is the cornerstone of long-term health, and these findings reinforce the need for early intervention, especially for employees in high-pressure corporate environments. At MediBuddy, we are committed to empowering individuals with accessible healthcare solutions that encourage proactive wellness. Through timely screenings, digital health tracking, and expert-led guidance, we aim to shift healthcare from a reactive to a preventive approach, ensuring better long-term health outcomes.”
As India`s corporate sector continues to expand, these findings underline the importance of personalised health assessments that go beyond standard metrics. Regular health screenings focused on nutritional status and metabolic markers can help identify issues before they progress to more serious conditions, particularly for men, who are often less likely to seek preventive care.
