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Source — Source: TH ///Category — GS Paper 2 ///Published — 2026-02-09 ///Exam — Both Prelims and Mains ///Tags — Rapid Fire, Quick Facts For Prelims, GS Paper - 2 ///Source — Source: TH ///Category — GS Paper 2 ///Published — 2026-02-09 ///Exam — Both Prelims and Mains ///Tags — Rapid Fire, Quick Facts For Prelims, GS Paper - 2 ///

Source: TH · GS Paper 2

PRIYA Trial on Vitamin B12

The PRIYA trial, conducted under the Pune Maternal Nutrition Study, demonstrated that adolescent vitamin B12 supplementation improves neonatal ponderal index, indicating better fetal growth. The findings support incorporating physiological doses of vitamin B12 into existing iron‑folic acid programmes for adolescents and women of reproductive age, a crucial policy direction for India’s public health and human capital development.

2026-02-09

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Source: TH

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Background

PRIYA (Pune Rural Intervention in Young Adolescents) trial was a follow‑up study of the Pune Maternal Nutrition Study (PMNS).
Conducted from 2012 to 2020 in rural Pune, Maharashtra.
Objective: To assess whether improving vitamin B12 status in adolescents could reduce inter‑generational metabolic risk in a population with widespread B12 deficiency.

Key Findings

Neonatal ponderal index (weight/height ratio) was significantly higher in infants born to mothers who received B12 supplementation during adolescence.
Improved fetal growth suggests better early‑life nutritional outcomes.
The benefits are attributed to epigenetic mechanisms influencing gene expression related to metabolism.

Significance for India

Vitamin B12 deficiency is highly prevalent in India due to low consumption of animal‑source foods.
Deficiency leads to megaloblastic anaemia, neurological disorders, and impaired cognitive development.
Enhancing B12 status during adolescence can break the cycle of inter‑generational malnutrition and improve human capital.

Policy Recommendations

Include physiological doses of vitamin B12 in the existing Iron‑Folic Acid (IFA) supplementation programme for adolescents and women of reproductive age.
Integrate B12 screening and supplementation into National Nutrition Mission (POSHAN Abhiyaan) and National Health Mission.
Promote dietary diversification and awareness about animal‑source foods where culturally acceptable.

Constitutional / Legal Provisions

Article 21 – Right to health as part of the right to life; mandates the State to improve nutritional standards.
National Food Security Act, 2013 – Provides for nutrition support to vulnerable groups, which can be expanded to include micronutrient supplementation.

References

Lancet Study on Micronutrient Inadequacies (link provided in original article).