The immigrant South Asian population in U.S. has an increased prevalence of micro and macro nutrient deficiencies due their dietary habits, specifically vegetarianism. It was found that they were mainly deficient in
• Vitamin D,
• Vitamin B6,
• Vitamin B12 and
• Pantothenic acid
(Jonnalagadda, 2002, Gupta, 2004).
Hyperhomocysteminia has been observed in young Indian immigrant men, with associated with vitamin B12 deficiency. According to American Heart Association increased levels of blood homocysteine levels has been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (Carmel et al, 2002).
