Daijiworld Correspondent Ares at Panaji (GA)

Panaji, Jun 26: Studies have proved that extreme vegetarians are susceptible for high homocysteine levels resulting in diseases including strokes, heart attack, diabetes and other fatal diseases. 

Two-day long conference of Indian study group on homocystein held at Varca in Goa, spoke about this vital aspect of being extreme vegetarian. The medical practitioners participating in the conference felt that homocysteine levels amongst Indian population was alarming and it is more amongst the "extreme vegetarians".

"We are not advocating that everyone should eat meat but milk, eggs or green salad can be consumed to make up for deficiency of B12, folic acid and pyridoxine," clarified Dr Rustom Wadia, Pune-based consulting physician and neurologist.

Various medical professionals including Dr Wadia, Dr G S Sainani, cardiodiabetologist, Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai, Dr Pradip Talwalkar, consulting diabetologist, S L Raheja hospital, Mumbai, Dr Y P Munjal, Director, Centre for Diabetes and Lifestyle Diseases participated in the first ever such conference aimed to work out guidelines on awareness amongst general practitioners and masses about homocysteine level, which is a major risk factor.

"Prevalence of heart attack, diabetics and paralysis stroke has reached epidemic proportions in India. It has begun affecting 10 to 20 years younger population compared to the western world," noted Dr Talwalkar.

The experts participating in the conference revealed that different parts of country showed different homocystein levels "ideal level is five to 15 micromoles per litre but the lower the level is better," they stated. It was felt that besides advising for change in lifestyle, which includes giving up smoking, including eggs or milk or green salad in diet, regular exercises, and one vitamin tablet a day can reduce the homocystein level and save Indian population from being susceptible to fatal diseases.

"What we are talking is just one risk factor for fatal diseases, there are various other factors. But taking care of one factor can reduce the diseases," the experts stated.

"What is most important is awareness about this aspect. There should be awareness amongst the population and also amongst the average medical practitioners so that the level can be checked or can be reduced with tablets without waiting for something drastic to happen," added Dr Talwalkar.