Signs and causes of vitamin deficiency

 

Our body need vitamins, which are crucial micronutrients, for daily functions. Every vitamin is required for the proper operation of bodily organs. In general, the foods we eat provide us with vitamins. Lack of any of these vital vitamins may lead to a number of health problems in our bodies, including memory loss and respiratory problems.

Micronutrients such as vitamins are absolutely necessary for the body. There are primarily 13 vitamins, and each one is essential for the everyday operation of the body's organs. Yet a deficiency in these essential vitamins can lead to major health issues. In actuality, vitamin insufficiency is defined as a shortage of vitamins in the body.

 

Nowadays, millions of individuals suffer from vitamin insufficiency, which is a fairly frequent health issue. Low vitamin intakes and particular medical conditions can induce vitamin insufficiency. Vitamin deficiencies can have potentially dangerous implications on the body.

 

10 primary effects of lack of vitamins are: 

 

Shortness of breath: The body's ability to produce red blood cells is hampered by a lack of vitamin B12. Shortness of breath during routine tasks is brought on by problems in the distribution of oxygen throughout the body.

 

Tingling sensation in fingers and toes: Lack of certain vitamins has an impact on the neurological system, particularly on the nerve endings, which causes tingling in the fingers and toes. 

 

Numbness on hands and feet: Our body's nervous system depends on vitamin B12 for maintenance, and a deficiency in this vitamin can affect how well our nerves work. Hence, you can have numbness or decreased sensation in your hands and feet.

 

Vision problems: For the eyes' light-sensing cells to be protected, vitamin A is absolutely essential. In the long run, a lack of this vitamin may result in blindness and visual issues.

Poor memory: Vitamin D and B12 deficiencies have a significant negative influence on memory recall in the brain, which can result in memory loss and possibly Alzheimer's disease.

 

Bleeding gums: Gum bleeding is a very typical issue brought on by harsh brushing methods. Vitamin C deficiency, however, can lead to problems with bleeding gums. In severe circumstances, a vitamin C shortage might also result in tooth loss.

 

Mouth ulcer: According to studies, a deficiency in iron and vitamin B causes mouth ulcers.

 

Brittle nails and hair: Lack of vitamin B7, sometimes known as biotin, is one of several factors that contribute to weak nails and hair, among other things. Biotin primarily supports healthy hair and nails.

 

Hair fall: One of the main signs of vitamin insufficiency is hair loss or hair fall. Biotin and niacin are crucial nutrients for healthy hair development.

 

Poor wound healing: Many vitamins aid in the healing of wounds. Slow wound healing can be brought on by low vitamin A, B, C, and D levels.

 

What are the causes of vitamin deficiency? 

 

Poor diet: Since our bodies do not naturally create vitamins, we must obtain them from the food we consume on a daily basis. Many foods with added vitamins must be a part of our diet. Because meat is so rich in these vitamins, vegetarians are more likely to suffer from biotin and vitamin B12 deficiencies.. 

 

Lack of sunlight: For the health of our teeth, bones, and muscles, vitamin D is crucial. Many food sources, including dairy products, eggs, and shellfish, provide vitamin D. Yet one of the primary sources of vitamin D is sunshine. Lack of sunshine exposure can result in vitamin D insufficiency, which can cause osteoporosis, bone density loss, and tooth loss.

 

Medical condition: It may be difficult for your body to process or absorb vital vitamins if you have certain medical problems. Long-term vitamin D insufficiency may result from this. Your body's capacity to absorb vitamins can be impacted by chronic liver illness, renal disease, diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn's disease, and gastric bypass.

 

Smoking: Several studies have revealed that heavy smokers have a greater risk of biotin, niacin, and vitamin D insufficiency.

 

Alcohol use disorder: Drinking alcohol excessively might harm your digestive system. Furthermore, a compromised digestive system may hinder your body's capacity to synthesize vitamin B12.

 

Certain medicines: Certain medications, such as those that decrease cholesterol and steroids, might prevent your body from fully absorbing vitamins.

 

Pernicious anemia: One particular autoimmune condition that affects our intestines and reduces vitamin 12 absorption is pernicious anemia illness. Deficient levels of healthy red blood cells result from this.

These are the top five causes of vitamin deficiencies. Nonetheless, you should see your general healthcare professional as soon as possible if you have any vitamin deficiency symptoms. Long-term effects of untreated vitamin deficiency can be detrimental to your body's organs. Often, a standard health examination does not include a diagnosis of vitamin insufficiency.  Your doctor will question you about your symptoms and then advise you to undergo a vitamin profile test in order to determine any vitamin deficit.  Your body's various vitamin levels may be assessed with the use of a comprehensive vitamin profile test. The cost of a vitamin test is quite affordable. To find out the price of a vitamin test, contact your local diagnostic facility.

Your doctor will prescribe medications for you based on the type of vitamin deficit you have after diagnosing it. You must include vitamin-enriched foods in your daily diet in addition to your prescription medications. You need to consume a lot of fresh fruits, vegetables, eggs, milk, fish, shellfish, and red meat to alleviate vitamin insufficiency. A healthy lifestyle also requires abstaining from alcohol and smoking.