6 COMMON SIGNS OF VITAMIN DEFICIENCY

A well-balanced and nutritious diet has many benefits. On the other hand, a diet lacking in nutrients may cause a variety of unpleasant symptoms. These symptoms are your body’s way of communicating potential vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Recognizing them can help you adjust your diet accordingly. This article reviews the 8 most common signs of vitamin and mineral deficiencies and how to address them.

 

1. Brittle hair and nails
 

A variety of factors may cause thin hair and brittle nails. One of them is a lack of biotin. A deficiency in this vitamin is generally rare. The signs and symptoms of biotin deficiency typically appear gradually and can include thinning hair with progression to loss of all hair

 

2. Mouth ulcers or cracks in the corners of the mouth
 

Mouth ulcers, also commonly referred to as canker sores, or cracked lips, cracks at the corners of the mouth (angular cheilitis) are often the result of deficiencies in iron or B vitamins.

 

3. Bleeding gums
 

Sometimes a rough tooth brushing technique is at the root of bleeding gums, but a diet lacking in vitamin C for long periods can also be to blame. 

 

4. Poor night vision 
 

Low intakes of vitamin A are often linked to a condition known as night blindness, which reduces people’s ability to see in low light or darkness.

 

5. Hair loss
 

The vitamins and minerals such as iron, zinc, , niacin (vitamin B3) and biotin (vitamin B7) are needed for hair growth. So diets rich in them may help prevent hair loss. 

 

6. Restless leg syndrome
 

Restless leg syndrome (RLS), also known as Willis-Ekbom disease, is a nerve condition that causes unpleasant or uncomfortable sensations in the legs, as well as an irresistible urge to move them. This is a kind of movement disorders and not life-threatening, it only reduces quality of life. Restless leg syndrome is often linked to low iron levels. 

 

Sometimes the vitamin deficiency is silently and only manifests itself when the deficiency is quite severe. Therefore, to prevent the risk of micronutrient deficiency, you need a balanced and varied diet

 

At the Nutrition Department of American International Hospital (AIH), nutritionists will analyze your current diet and activities to come up with a suitable nutritional intervention plan for each person, thereby we help you prevent micronutrient deficiency effectively.