Researchers tested 91 medical students at a university in the United Arab Emirates to see if they were getting enough water-soluble vitamins—the kind your body can’t store and needs regularly from food. Even though these students know a lot about health, about 1 in 10 had low levels of vitamin C or B12. The study found that students who didn’t eat enough fruits and vegetables, felt very stressed, or were female were more likely to have low vitamin levels. This suggests that even educated, healthy young people should get their vitamin levels checked, especially if they’re under stress or eating poorly.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: Whether medical students—people who should know about nutrition—actually have healthy levels of vitamins B12, B9 (folate), and C in their blood.
  • Who participated: 91 healthy medical students, mostly women (70%), between 18-23 years old, from a university in the UAE. They were average weight and had no known health problems.
  • Key finding: About 7.7% had low vitamin C levels, and 9% had low B12 levels. Surprisingly, none had dangerously low folate. Students who ate fewer fruits and vegetables, felt more stressed, or were female were more likely to have low vitamin C.
  • What it means for you: Even if you’re young and healthy, you might have low vitamin levels without knowing it. If you’re stressed, don’t eat many fruits and vegetables, or are female, it might be worth getting your vitamin levels checked. This is especially true if you feel tired or run down.

The Research Details

Researchers recruited 91 medical students and took a single blood sample from each person between September 2023 and January 2024. They measured three water-soluble vitamins: B12, folate (B9), and vitamin C using precise laboratory tests. At the same time, they asked students questions about their diet, stress levels, exercise habits, and other lifestyle factors. They used statistical methods to figure out which factors (like diet quality or stress) were connected to low vitamin levels.

This approach is useful because it gives a snapshot of what’s happening right now in a specific group of people. By looking at many students at one point in time and comparing those with low vitamins to those with normal levels, researchers can identify warning signs and risk factors. This helps doctors know who might need vitamin screening.

The study used validated laboratory tests, which means the vitamin measurements are accurate and reliable. The researchers measured actual blood levels rather than just asking students what they ate, which is more trustworthy. However, because this is a snapshot study of one group of students at one university, the results may not apply to all students everywhere. The sample size of 91 is moderate—large enough to find patterns but small enough that some findings might be due to chance.

What the Results Show

Vitamin C showed the biggest problem: 7.7% of students had levels that were too low. This included 2 students with actual deficiency and 5 with insufficiency (meaning borderline low). The average vitamin C level was 56.7, which is acceptable but not ideal. Vitamin B12 insufficiency affected 9% of students, though the average level was still in the normal range at 485.3. Interestingly, folate levels were fine in all students—no one had low folate. When researchers looked at what predicted low vitamin C, three factors stood out: eating few fruits and vegetables (students with poor fruit/vegetable intake were 4.8 times more likely to have low C), high stress (stressed students were 3.2 times more likely to have low C), and being female (females were 2.9 times more likely, though this was borderline). Students with better overall diet quality had higher vitamin C levels.

Female students showed a trend toward higher B12 insufficiency rates compared to males, though the difference wasn’t quite statistically significant. Vitamin C levels were positively connected to overall diet quality—students who ate healthier had better vitamin C levels. The researchers also found that B12 levels were connected to stress, though the relationship was weaker than with vitamin C.

Previous research has shown that vitamin deficiencies are common in young adults, especially in college and university students. This study confirms that pattern even in a health-educated population like medical students. The finding that stress and poor diet predict low vitamins aligns with what other studies have found. However, the relatively low rates of deficiency (as opposed to insufficiency) in this group suggest that medical students may have better baseline nutrition than the general student population, possibly because of their health knowledge.

This study only looked at one group of students at one university in the UAE, so results may not apply to medical students in other countries or regions with different diets and lifestyles. The study was done at one point in time, so we can’t tell if vitamin levels stayed low or changed over time. The sample was 70% female, so findings about gender differences may not be as reliable. The study can show that low fruit/vegetable intake and stress are connected to low vitamins, but it can’t prove that these factors actually cause the low vitamins. Some students may have had low vitamins for other reasons the study didn’t measure.

The Bottom Line

If you’re a young adult, especially if you’re female, under high stress, or don’t eat many fruits and vegetables, consider asking your doctor about checking your vitamin B12 and C levels. Eating more fruits, vegetables, and foods rich in B vitamins (like eggs, dairy, and whole grains) is a safe, practical step. Managing stress through exercise, sleep, and relaxation may also help. These recommendations are supported by this research, though more studies would strengthen the evidence.

Medical students and other young adults, especially those who are stressed, eat poorly, or are female, should pay attention to these findings. College and university students in general may want to consider vitamin screening. People with known stress, poor diet quality, or symptoms like fatigue should definitely talk to their doctor. This is less urgent for people who eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and protein, and who manage stress well.

If you start eating more fruits and vegetables or manage stress better, you might feel more energetic within 2-4 weeks, though vitamin levels in the blood may take 4-8 weeks to improve. If you’re deficient and take supplements, it may take 4-12 weeks to see improvements in how you feel.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track daily fruit and vegetable servings (aim for at least 5 servings per day) and stress levels (rate 1-10 daily). Note any changes in energy or how you feel.
  • Set a goal to add one extra fruit or vegetable serving to each meal this week. If stressed, add one 10-minute stress-relief activity daily (walk, meditation, or deep breathing).
  • Weekly check-in: count average daily fruit/vegetable servings and average daily stress score. Monthly reflection: note energy levels and overall wellness. If levels remain low after 4 weeks of dietary improvement, prompt user to discuss vitamin screening with their doctor.

This research describes vitamin levels in one group of medical students and should not be used for self-diagnosis. Vitamin deficiency symptoms vary widely and can indicate other health conditions. If you suspect you have a vitamin deficiency, experience persistent fatigue, or have other health concerns, consult with a healthcare provider who can order appropriate tests and recommend treatment based on your individual health status. This information is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice.