Ayurveda On Vitamin D & B12: Expert Shares The Role Of Agni, Ahara And Sunlight

Lack of vitamins D and B12 is becoming prevalent in India, cutting across vegetarians and non-vegetarians. Although everyone believes that a plant-based diet is the sole culprit, the truth is much more complex. Our hectic urban lives, sporadic food habits, lesser exposure to sunlight, and increasing digestive disorders have compromised the body's capacity to absorb vital nutrients. Contemporary science points to dietary deficiencies and lifestyle imbalances as primary causes, but Ayurveda is more profound because it attributes such deficiencies to imbalances in Agni (digestive fire) and Ahara (food selection).

Ayurveda teaches that even the most nutritious food cannot adequately nourish the body if the digestive power is low or if toxins (ama) are present. A healthy Agni converts food into energy and vitality, while an impaired one impedes absorption, resulting in deficiencies such as Vitamin D and B12. Sunlight, circadian rhythms, and conscious food variety all contribute to restoring balance. In conversation with The Daily Jagran, Dr. Yogrishi Vishvketu, Global Yoga Educator, Author and Founder of Akhanda Yoga Institute, shares how agni, ahara and sunlight influence vitamin D and B12.

The Ayurvedic View: Ahara And Agni

Ayurveda teaches that even nutrient-rich food cannot build health if Agni is weak. Strong Agni transforms food into rasa (nourishment) and Ojas (vitality). Weak Agni leads to ama (toxins), blocking absorption.

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Vitamin D: Modern science shows sunlight is the main source, but urban lifestyles and irregular sleep-wake cycles disturb our natural connection with Surya (the sun). Ayurveda emphasises morning sunlight and Surya Namaskar to restore rhythm and vitality.

Vitamin B12: While plant based may have lesser options for B12, they are still available to incorporate into the diet. Ayurveda points out that weak Agni and toxic buildup (ama) block absorption for everyone. Processed foods, stress, and irregular eating worsen the problem. Sattvic dairy (milk, ghee, paneer) and fermented foods like buttermilk (takra) support digestion and absorption.

Ayurveda On Vitamin D And B12 (Image Credits: Canva)

Food Awareness And Healing

“Limiting ourselves to aloo, atta, and processed foods starves both body and mind. When we eat with variety, heal our breathing rhythm, and align with nature, Agni strengthens, the gut heals, and the whole system begins to thrive,” states Dr. Yogrishi Vishvketu.

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Deficiencies of Vitamin D and B12 are not only about missing nutrients. They reflect imbalances in diet, digestion, and lifestyle. By reviving food diversity, strengthening Agni, aligning with sunlight, and breathing with awareness, Ayurveda shows us how to transform Ahara into lasting wellbeing and resilience.