Study of Serum Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D Level amongst Medical Professionals in Tertiary Health Care Center, Rewa

Abstract

Background: Vitamin D and Vitamin B12 are essential micronutrients required for maintenance of musculoskeletal health, neurological function, hematopoiesis, immunity, and overall well-being. Medical professionals are particularly vulnerable to deficiencies because of prolonged indoor working hours, shift duties, irregular dietary habits, stress, and limited sunlight exposure. Despite their health awareness, micronutrient deficiencies often remain undetected. The present study was conducted to assess serum Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D levels among medical professionals in a tertiary health care center at Rewa and to evaluate their association with demographic, occupational, and lifestyle factors.

Materials and Methods: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Physiology, Shyam Shah Medical College, Rewa, over a period of 18 months (May 2024–October 2025). A total of 150 medical professionals aged 15–60 years were enrolled and equally distributed into three age groups (15–30, 31–45, and 46–60 years). Data regarding age, gender, profession, dietary habits, physical activity, work shifts, stress levels, and sunlight exposure were collected using a structured questionnaire. Serum Vitamin B12 levels were measured by chemiluminescent immunoassay and serum 25-hydroxy Vitamin D [25(OH)D] levels were estimated using standard laboratory methods. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20.

Results: Among the 150 participants, females constituted 55.33% and males 44.67%. The mean serum Vitamin B12 level was 280.78 pg/mL, while the mean serum Vitamin D level was 22.54 ng/mL, indicating borderline/insufficient status. Vitamin B12 deficiency (<200 pg/mL) was observed in 16.67% participants, insufficiency (200–300 pg/mL) in 38.67%, and normal levels in 44.67%. Vitamin D deficiency (<20 ng/mL) was present in 37.33%, insufficiency (20–29 ng/mL) in 42.0%, and normal levels in only 20.67% participants. No statistically significant association was found between age or gender and Vitamin B12 or Vitamin D status. Higher Vitamin B12 deficiency was observed among technicians, individuals with low physical activity, and those experiencing high stress, whereas Vitamin D deficiency was more common among consultants, rotational shift workers, and vegetarians.

Conclusion: Vitamin B12 and Vitamin D deficiencies are highly prevalent among medical professionals in a tertiary health care center. Occupational factors, dietary habits, physical inactivity, shift work, and stress appear to contribute to poor micronutrient status. Regular screening, nutritional counseling, lifestyle modification, and appropriate supplementation should be incorporated into institutional health programs to improve the health and productivity of healthcare workers.