Vitamin Deficiency
Vitamin Deficiency: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment
Vitamin deficiencies are caused by an insufficient intake of certain vitamins or by an underlying medical condition that prevents the body from effectively absorbing or using the required vitamins. Vitamin deficiency can mean that your body is not getting enough of the nutrients needed to stay healthy.
Vitamins are essential nutrients that help regulate metabolism, strengthen bones and teeth, support the immune system, and ensure proper functioning of the body’s organs and tissues. A lack of vitamins can lead to diseases such as scurvy, beriberi, pellagra, night blindness, inflammation of the lining of the mouth (stomatitis), and anemia.
What Causes Vitamin Deficiencies?
The most common cause of vitamin deficiencies is inadequate dietary intake. This is more likely to occur in individuals whose diets consist mostly of processed and fast foods, which often do not contain the necessary vitamins for optimal health. Poor absorption of nutrients due to digestive issues, such as celiac disease and Crohn's disease, can also contribute to vitamin deficiencies.
Common Symptoms of Vitamin Deficiencies
The signs and symptoms of vitamin deficiencies vary depending on which vitamin is affected. Common symptoms include:
- Fatigue
- Increased susceptibility to infections
- Impaired immunity
- Loss of appetite
- Memory problems
- Muscle weakness
- Depression
- Irritability
- Hair loss
Treatment of Vitamin Deficiencies
The most effective treatment for vitamin deficiencies is to increase your intake of the affected vitamins. You can do this by eating a healthy diet including a variety of nutrient-dense foods. Examples of nutrient-dense foods include whole grains, lean meats, low-fat dairy, fruits and vegetables. Substantial amounts of vitamins can also be obtained from dietary supplements.
Your doctor may recommend that you take daily multivitamin and mineral supplements, or that you take specific vitamins to treat your particular deficiency. It is important to talk to your doctor before taking any vitamin or mineral as they may be harmful in large doses.
In some cases, the underlying cause of the vitamin deficiencies, such as an impaired digestive system, must be addressed in order for the vitamins to be effectively absorbed.
