34% Hyderabadi ignore early signs of poor nerve health: Survey

The P&G Nerve Health Survey was conducted among 1,800 respondents across 12 cities.

The survey was aimed to gauge the awareness levels and perceptions about nerve health and to understand if people can identify nerve-related discomforts. Results revealed limited knowledge amongst the masses about nerve health. While people had experienced symptoms related to nerve damage only 50% related it to nerve health.

The national survey found that while over 90 per cent of the respondents believed that healthy nerves are important, only 38% know that nerves are different from blood vessels.

"Evidently, a majority of people lack proper knowledge about the impact of Vitamin B on health in general and nerve health in particular. However, without B-group vitamins the body lacks energy. Vitamin B12 contributes significantly to ensuring nerve health. Any person who has a poor diet for a few months may end up with Vitamin B12 deficiency. For this reason, it's important that adequate amounts of Vitamin B12 either in food or in supplements must be taken regularly as part of a well-balanced and nutritious diet," said Dr. Rakesh Sahay, professor of endocrinology in the department of endocrinology at Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad.

Milind Thatte, the managing director of Procter & Gamble Health Limited, said a large population of the country suffers from Vitamin B deficiencies without knowing the causes and the risks associated with this condition, including nerve damage. "The P&G Nerve Health Survey, in association with Heal Health & Hansa Research, is an effort to increase awareness about nerve health, empower people to recognize the early symptoms and how it can be managed with a balanced diet and supplementation," he added.

B12 deficiency is extremely common in India owing to malnutrition being extremely common in the country. The reasons for these are many and largely related to diet and lifestyle.

"Vitamin B12 deficiency may be one of the main reasons leading to nerve problems. Good nutrition is often the first line of defence to avoid many diseases, including nerve health. The food you eat can improve your nervous system's functioning. Knowing which nutrients nourish your nervous system can help you lead a healthier life and reduce your chances of nerve-related problems. Due to lack of awareness, people usually don't select the right kind of diet. The nerve damage caused by a lack of Vitamin B12 may become permanently debilitating," added Dr. Mangesh Tiwaskar, honorary general secretary of the Association of Physicians of India.

The national survey results also revealed that 73% of respondents relied upon vegetables and 69% on fruits for Vitamin B12 which are not a source.