These days, millions of Indians use RO (Reverse Osmosis) water purifiers for drinking purposes. Their purpose is to make water clean and safe. But have you ever considered that this RO water could have other health effects? An Indian study found a possible link between RO water and Vitamin B12 deficiency, although experts say more research is needed on this subject.
In recent years, India has seen a significant vitamin B12 deficiency. Every second person complains of fatigue, weakness, or nerve pain. To understand this, doctors in Western India conducted a very interesting study. This study has raised eyebrows because it revealed a strange connection between RO water and Vitamin B12.
A cross-sectional study conducted in western India included 250 people. Researchers excluded those with known pre-existing conditions for vitamin B12 deficiency. The study examined dietary habits, milk and dairy product consumption, RO water use, and vitamin B12 levels.
This research was conducted by researchers Ekant Surendra Gupta, Sanket Pranjivan Sheth, and Jayshree Deepak Ganjawale. This team of doctors conducted a thorough study of 250 people. Doctors had previously excluded those who had a known or known history of vitamin B12 deficiency. A detailed record of the diet, milk and cheese consumption, and water consumption of these 250 people was maintained.
This raises the question: Is RO water itself responsible for vitamin B12 deficiency? The answer to this question is still unclear. The study only found an association, not a direct proof that RO water causes vitamin B12 deficiency. The researchers concluded that larger, longer-term studies are needed to confirm this link.
At first glance, one might assume that RO water is depleting the body of vitamin B12, but doctors say the matter is not so straightforward.
In medical science, this is called an association, meaning two things are observed occurring simultaneously. This does not mean that RO water directly destroys B12. Vitamin B12 is not found in water itself. This vitamin is primarily obtained from food.
Scientists have speculated that RO water, along with essential minerals, also filters out some natural elements or microbes that keep our gut bacteria healthy. When the good gut bacteria weaken, the body cannot absorb B12 from food properly. However, doctors have clearly stated that more extensive research is needed to confirm this 100%.
RO (Reverse Osmosis) technology helps remove dirt, bacteria, viruses, and many harmful elements from water. However, during this process, the amount of some beneficial minerals in water, such as calcium, magnesium, and potassium, may also be reduced. This is why some experts believe that relying solely on highly purified water for a long time can impact the body’s intake of certain essential minerals.
It is also important to understand that the body obtains essential minerals and vitamins primarily from food, not just water. Therefore, it’s impossible to conclude that simply drinking RO water will cause a vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 is typically obtained from foods like milk, yogurt, eggs, fish, meat, and fortified foods.
Experts recommend that if you have an RO system installed in your home, ensure that the water quality is appropriate. Many modern RO systems also include mineralizer technology, which can help reconstitute certain essential minerals in the water.
Vitamin B12 acts as a vital fuel for the proper functioning of the body’s machinery.
It plays a key role in the formation of red blood cells in our body.
This vitamin is responsible for maintaining the health of our brain and the entire nervous system.
It is essential for the formation of DNA and cell repair in the body.
It keeps us active throughout the day and maintains energy levels.
The body gives these danger signals when there is a deficiency.
When B12 levels in the body begin to drop rapidly, a person begins to experience a variety of everyday problems.
Extreme fatigue upon waking, lethargy, and shortness of breath after even the slightest exertion.
Pin-like prickling sensations in the fingers and toes, tingling, or sometimes even complete numbness of the limbs.
Forgetting small things, feeling heavy headed, or experiencing sudden dizziness.
Recurrent mouth ulcers and loss of appetite.
Who is at higher risk for B12 deficiency?
Vitamin B12 is primarily found in animal-based foods such as milk, yogurt, cheese, eggs, fish, and meat. Therefore, the following people may be at higher risk for deficiency:
Long-term vegetarians
The elderly
People suffering from digestive diseases
Patients taking certain medications for a long time.
Is it necessary to completely abandon RO water? Don’t panic at all after reading this research or throw away the RO from your house tomorrow itself.There is no need to connect. In areas where ground water is very salty, has high TDS or there is a risk of leakage of dirty sewage water, RO protects us from deadly diseases like typhoid and cholera.
It is wise that if you are drinking RO water for a long time, then definitely get your Vitamin B12 level checked once a year. Increase the quantity of things like milk, curd, cheese and dry fruits in your diet. If the level comes out low in the test, then consult a doctor and take supplements or pills for a few days. The problem is not in the water, but lies in our lack of caution and carelessness in eating habits.