Elevated red cell volume in North Indian students.

In a survey for beta-thalassemia carrier status among students in the State of Punjab in India, a surprisingly large number were found to have an elevated red cell volume over 99 fl. The finding was predominantly but not exclusively in females. Similar student surveys from other states showed less macrocytosis. Follow-up tests in a group of affected students were carried out. Volunteers were asked to modify their diet then after six months they were provided with oral vitamin B12. The resulting changes are reported and the implications of the probable vitamin B12 and or folic acid deficiency are considered.