You’re probably familiar with vitamin deficiency. It’s when you aren’t getting enough of a nutrient that your body needs. Vitamin deficiency most commonly occurs because of something you’re not eating. However, it can also occur for a variety of other reasons.
Some vitamin deficiencies are more common than others. Worldwide, vitamin A deficiency is the most common one. Other common vitamin deficiencies include vitamin D and B12.
Common symptoms of vitamin deficiency include:
- Food cravings or increased hunger
- Fatigue
- Skin, hair, and nail changes
- Eye issues
- Muscle control issues
- Mental ability loss
- Mood changes
- Nerve disruptions
- Tongue changes
- Swelling
- Bleeding and bruising
- Bodily function changes
- Weaker bones
- Losing balance or falling
When it comes to treating vitamin deficiency, it depends on the cause and how severe it is. Common treatments include:
- Eating more of certain foods
- Switching to fortified or enriched foods
- Oral supplements
- Injections, infusions, and patches
Over time, if left unchecked, vitamin deficiencies can cause serious complications. In most cases, vitamin deficiencies are preventable, but sometimes they occur for reasons out of your control. Over time, if left unchecked, vitamin deficiencies can cause serious complications. Ultimately, the best way to prevent vitamin deficiency is to eat lots of nutrient-rich foods and take care of your health.
By Zan Salimi, BSc. Phm.
