Introduction
Vitamins play a crucial role in ensuring the health and well-being of the population. For UPSC aspirants, staying informed about recent developments related to public health, nutrition, and government policies is essential. This article covers recent current affairs related to vitamins that are highly relevant for the UPSC CSE 2025 preparation, including government schemes, health reports, and emerging nutritional trends.
1. Vitamin D Deficiency: A Silent Epidemic in India
Overview
Despite being a sun-rich country, India is facing a widespread Vitamin D deficiency crisis. A recent think tank report has revealed that nearly 20% of Indians are deficient in Vitamin D, and about 39% in eastern India face inadequate levels.
Causes
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Urban lifestyles with limited sun exposure
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Air pollution acting as a barrier to UV rays
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Increased use of sunscreen
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Poor dietary intake of Vitamin D
Impact
Vitamin D deficiency can lead to:
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Weak bones (osteomalacia, rickets)
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Compromised immunity
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Increased risk of chronic illnesses like diabetes, hypertension
Suggested Measures
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Mandatory food fortification with Vitamin D
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Tax incentives on Vitamin D supplements
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Awareness drives promoting sun exposure and nutrition
UPSC Angle
Questions on nutritional deficiency diseases, public health, or government health strategy can incorporate Vitamin D-related concerns. This also connects with GS Paper II (Governance) and GS Paper III (Science & Technology).
2. 100% Fortified Rice Distribution Across India
Key Highlight
In a major nutrition policy breakthrough, India achieved 100% distribution of fortified rice under all food security schemes (PDS, ICDS, MDM) by March 2024.
Nutrients Added
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Iron
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Folic Acid
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Vitamin B12
Purpose
To combat anaemia and other micronutrient deficiencies prevalent in children and women, especially among economically weaker sections.
Linked Government Schemes
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Anemia Mukt Bharat
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Poshan 2.0
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Food Fortification Resource Centre (FFRC)
Benefits
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Improved cognitive development in children
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Better maternal health outcomes
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Reduced stunting and under nutrition
UPSC Relevance
This falls under GS Paper II (Welfare schemes) and GS Paper III (Health, Nutrition, and Social Development). Also important for Essay and Ethics (public service delivery).
3. Vitamin A Supplementation Program
National Immunization Schedule
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare runs a biannual Vitamin A supplementation drive for children aged 1–5 years, targeting visual and immune health.
Distribution Model
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Administered via Anganwadi centres
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Integrated with ICDS and National Health Mission
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Delivered alongside routine immunizations
Significance
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Prevents night blindness and keratomalacia
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Reduces child mortality due to infectious diseases like measles and diarrhea
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Improves immunity in growing children
UPSC Link
This program is relevant under GS Paper II (Social sector & services related to Health) and Prelims (Schemes and Programs). Vitamin A is also important for Science & Technology (Biology).
4. Emerging Research on Vitamin K2
What is Vitamin K2?
Vitamin K2, or menaquinone, is gaining attention for its role in calcium regulation, bone health, and cardiovascular function.
Health Benefits
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Prevents arterial calcification
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Aids in bone mineralization
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Works synergistically with Vitamin D and calcium
Current Scenario
Although not yet part of India's public nutrition programs, research studies are pushing for its inclusion in dietary guidelines, especially for the elderly and women.
Food Sources
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Fermented foods (like natto)
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Cheese and dairy products
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Liver and egg yolks
UPSC Importance
This may be useful in GS Paper III (Science & Technology) or GS Paper II (Health policies) as part of evolving nutritional strategies and bioavailability discussions.
How to Prepare for UPSC with These Vitamin-Based Current Affairs
Tips:
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Link nutrition with policy: Always connect the deficiency to a relevant government scheme.
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Use statistics: Like 20% Vitamin D deficiency, 100% fortified rice distribution — they add value in Mains.
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Practice MCQs: Focus on schemes like Poshan 2.0, ICDS, and FFRC.
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Mains Answer Writing: Create answers with a structure — Issue, Impact, Government Response, Way Forward.
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Use Infographics: For revision, use visual notes on vitamins, functions, sources, and deficiency diseases.
Sample UPSC Mains Question
Q. "Discuss the initiatives taken by the Government of India to combat micronutrient deficiencies among vulnerable groups. Evaluate the effectiveness of these initiatives."
Answer Approach:
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Introduction with data on micronutrient deficiency
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Discuss Vitamin A supplementation, fortified rice, anemia control
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Challenges like implementation gaps, awareness
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Suggest improvements (technology, community involvement)
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Conclude with significance in achieving SDG-2 (Zero Hunger)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Why is Vitamin D deficiency rising in India despite abundant sunlight?
A: Due to lifestyle factors, pollution, and lack of sun exposure in urban settings.
Q2: What nutrients are added in fortified rice?
A: Iron, Folic Acid, and Vitamin B12.
Q3: Which ministry handles the Vitamin A Supplementation Program?
A: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, under National Immunization Schedule.
Q4: What is the role of Vitamin K2 in the body?
A: Helps in calcium metabolism, supports bone strength, and prevents arterial calcification.
Q5: What is the objective of Poshan 2.0?
A: To improve nutritional outcomes for children, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
Conclusion
Vitamins are no longer just a part of school biology textbooks. They are now central to national policy, public health strategy, and UPSC preparation. With the rising burden of micronutrient deficiencies, UPSC aspirants must stay informed about related schemes, reports, and emerging scientific discussions. These topics are not only high-scoring in Prelims but also help enrich answers in Mains and Essay.
Also Read:
Table of Vitamins
| Vitamin | Chemical Name | Sources | Deficiency Diseases | Hypervitaminosis (Excess Intake Disorders) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vitamin A | Retinol | Carrots, liver, milk, butter, eggs, leafy vegetables | Night blindness, xerophthalmia, keratomalacia | Liver damage, blurred vision, headache, bone pain |
| Vitamin B1 | Thiamine | Whole grains, nuts, pork, legumes | Beriberi, Wernicke’s encephalopathy | Rare: headache, irritability, insomnia |
| Vitamin B2 | Riboflavin | Milk, eggs, green vegetables, almonds | Cheilitis, angular stomatitis, glossitis | No known toxic effects |
| Vitamin B3 | Niacin (Nicotinic Acid) | Meat, fish, nuts, whole grains | Pellagra (diarrhea, dermatitis, dementia) | Liver toxicity, skin flushing, gastrointestinal issues |
| Vitamin B5 | Pantothenic Acid | Eggs, avocados, sweet potatoes, broccoli | Fatigue, irritability, numbness, burning feet | Rare: diarrhea, water retention |
| Vitamin B6 | Pyridoxine | Bananas, chickpeas, tuna, potatoes | Anemia, depression, confusion, weakened immunity | Nerve damage, skin lesions |
| Vitamin B7 | Biotin | Eggs (yolk), liver, nuts, seeds, sweet potatoes | Dermatitis, hair loss, depression | Rare: no known serious effects |
| Vitamin B9 | Folic Acid (Folate) | Leafy vegetables, legumes, fortified grains | Neural tube defects in fetus, megaloblastic anemia | Can mask B12 deficiency symptoms |
| Vitamin B12 | Cobalamin | Animal products: meat, eggs, dairy | Pernicious anemia, neurological issues | Acne, rosacea (very rare cases) |
| Vitamin C | Ascorbic Acid | Citrus fruits, tomatoes, strawberries, bell peppers | Scurvy (bleeding gums, fatigue, poor wound healing) | Kidney stones, gastrointestinal distress |
| Vitamin D | Cholecalciferol (D3), Ergocalciferol (D2) | Sunlight, fish liver oil, egg yolk, fortified milk | Rickets (children), osteomalacia (adults) | Hypercalcemia, kidney stones, nausea |
| Vitamin E | Tocopherol | Nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, green leafy vegetables | Hemolytic anemia, nerve and muscle damage | Increased bleeding risk, interference with Vitamin K |
| Vitamin K | Phylloquinone (K1), Menaquinone (K2) | Green leafy vegetables, broccoli, liver | Bleeding disorders due to poor clotting | Blood clotting issues (only with synthetic supplements) |
