Speakers at a symposium said that vitamin-B deficiency is the major cause of malnutrition and diabetes, leading to a neurological disorder. Around the world, the number of patients with diabetes is expected to rise from 366 million people in 2011 to 552 million by 2030. It is estimated that 25 per cent of newly diagnosed type 2 diabetic patients will develop early stage diabetic nephropathy within 10 years, they added.
"Malnutrition is a major health problem, especially in the developing countries and even in developed countries it is rising due to dietary habits," they said, while speaking at a scientific symposium organised by the Merck Pakistan in Lahore in connection with 50th anniversary of the global marketing of its vitamin-B combination supplements.
Healthcare professionals and consultant physicians shared their experiences and views with the participants in the event. Associate Professor of Medicine, Allama Iqbal Medical College and Consultant at Jinnah Hospital Lahore Dr Muhammad Nasir Malik was the chairperson of the symposium.
Dr Seemeen Hussain, Associate Professor of Medicine, Fatima Jinnah Medical College, SGR Hospital, Lahore, spoke on the topic of Vitamin B Deficiency Condition while Dr Shahid Mehmood, Consultant and Physician at Hameed Latif Hospital spoke on the topic of Diabetic Neuropathy.
The speakers, discussing the importance of vitamin B in the human body, said that its deficiency could greatly affect life and cause illness. In its different forms vitamin B could help people manage their weight and ensure proper functioning of immune and nervous systems, the experts said. They said vitamins played key role in energy metabolism, building of strong bones and keeping muscles strong and healthy.