An observational study of vitamin B12 deficiency in relation to Doshprakop Lakshanas and Rasavaha Strotodushti Lakshanas.

Vitamin B12 deficiency is worldwide problem including India. While working in Ayurvedic hospital, it is noticed that, most of the symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency found similar, to that ofall Doshaprakop Lakshanas and Rasavaha Strotas Dushti Lakshanas. So, it is my humble attempt to study B12 deficiency symptoms through Ayurvedic perspective. Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms are anemia, glossitis, numbness, paresthesia, weakness, ataxia, diminished reflexes, mild jaundice, angular stomatitis, purpura, melanin pigmentation, weight loss, anorexia, fatigue, headache, nausea, constipation, bloating, erectile dysfunction, malabsorption, cognitive impairment, irritability, and lethargy, muscle cramps.

Rasavaha Strotas Dushti Lakshanas are disinclination for food, anorexia, foul taste in mouth, lack of taste sensing capacity, nausea, heaviness, drowsiness, malaise, fever, darkness in front of eyes, pale discoloration of skin, obstruction of body channels, impotency, heaviness of body, emaciation, loss of digestive strength, premature wrinkling of skin, greying of hair.

Vata Dushti Lakshanas are flaccidity, dilation, cutting pain, loss of sensation, weakness, pain, pricking needle pain, splitting pain, obstruction, body ache, constriction, twisting, goose bumps, thirst, tremors, roughness, porosity, dryness, pulsation, obstruction, rigidity as if tied, stiffness, astringent taste in mouth, reddish black discoloration. Pitta Dushti Lakshanas are burning sensation, reddish discoloration, increase in body temperature, suppuration, sweating, excess moistness, inflammation with excess secretions, putrefaction, weakness, fainting, delirium (confusion), hot and sour taste in mouth, appearance of colour other than white and crimson. Kapha Dushti Lakshanas are, oiliness, hardness, etching, coldness, heaviness, obstruction, coating as if tied with a wet cloth, stiffness, inflammation, indigestion, excess sleep, white discolouration, sweet and salty taste in mouth, delay in all activities.

• Conduct of Procedure:
• 100 patients approaching for vitamin B12 test in Bharti Ayurveda Hospital will be screened and out of which, vitamin B12 deficient patients (30) (<211pg/ml) will                be recruited according to inclusion and exclusion criteria.
• The above topic and methodology will be explained to the patients. Then consent form will be filled  by patients.
• Intruments to be used- Case Record Form (C.R.F.) and questionnaire will be prepared and used for assessment of patients.
• Technique- Assessment of the patients will be done by interview technique; using C.R.F. and questionnaire. Questionnaire will be prepared and validated by                       subject expert and statistician.
• Subjective parameters will be assessed by presence or absence of Dosh Prakop Lakshanas and Rasavaha Strotodushti Lakshanas in patient as per questionnaire.