Table of Contents
- Nutritional Deficiencies and Diseases
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin B
- Vitamin B1
- Vitamin B2
- Vitamin B3
- Vitamin B5
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin B7
- Vitamin B9
- Vitamin B12
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin E
- Essential Fatty Acids
- Vitamin K
- Minerals
- Iron
- Potassium
- Calcium
- Magnesium
- Sodium
- Iodine
- Actionable Health Tips
- References
Nutritional Deficiencies and Diseases
Nutritional deficiencies occur when the body does not receive enough of essential nutrients. These deficiencies can lead to a wide range of health problems, including diseases.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A deficiency can cause night blindness, a condition in which people have difficulty seeing in low light. It can also lead to dry eyes and an increased risk of infections.
Vitamin B
Vitamin B is a group of eight water-soluble vitamins that play a vital role in many bodily functions. Deficiencies in different B vitamins can lead to various health problems:
Vitamin B1
Vitamin B1 deficiency can cause beriberi, a disease that can affect the heart, nerves, and muscles.
Vitamin B2
Vitamin B2 deficiency can cause ariboflavinosis, a condition that can lead to skin problems, mouth sores, and anemia.
Vitamin B3
Vitamin B3 deficiency can cause pellagra, a disease that can cause dermatitis, diarrhea, and dementia.
Vitamin B5
Vitamin B5 deficiency can cause acne, paresthesia (a tingling or burning sensation in the hands and feet), and fatigue.
Vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 deficiency can cause dandruff-like eruptions, pink eye, and epilepsy.
Vitamin B7
Vitamin B7 deficiency can cause growth and neurological disorders in infants.
Vitamin B9
Vitamin B9 deficiency can cause macrocytic anemia, a type of anemia in which the red blood cells are larger than normal. It can also increase the risk of birth defects.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause macrocytic anemia, memory loss, pernicious anemia, mania, psychosis, and paralysis.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C deficiency can cause scurvy, a disease that can lead to bleeding gums, skin problems, and fatigue.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiency can cause rickets, a disease that can lead to soft and weak bones. It can also increase the risk of osteoporosis, a condition in which the bones become weak and brittle.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E deficiency can cause red blood cell destruction, ataxia (difficulty with coordination), retinopathy (damage to the retina), peripheral neuropathy (damage to the nerves in the hands and feet), and reproductive failure.
Essential Fatty Acids
Essential fatty acids are fats that the body cannot produce on its own. They are important for many bodily processes, including cell growth and development, hormone production, and inflammation. Deficiencies in essential fatty acids can lead to a variety of health problems, including skin ailments.
Vitamin K
Vitamin K deficiency can lead to a lack of clotting of blood and a lack of tissue renewal.
Minerals
Minerals are inorganic elements that are essential for many bodily functions. Deficiencies in different minerals can lead to various health problems:
Iron
Iron deficiency can cause anemia, a condition in which the body does not have enough healthy red blood cells. It can also lead to arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat).
Potassium
Potassium deficiency can cause high blood pressure, arrhythmia, muscle weakness, myalgia (muscle pain), muscle cramps, constipation, respiratory depression, and paralysis.
Calcium
Calcium deficiency can cause osteoporosis, a condition in which the bones become weak and brittle. It can also lead to hypocalcemia (low blood calcium levels) and osteopenia (a condition in which the bones are less dense than normal).
Magnesium
Magnesium deficiency can cause a deterioration of metabolism and cellular functioning, heart attacks, and insulin resistance.
Sodium
Sodium deficiency can cause cognitive impairment, headaches, nausea, seizures, coma, and electrolyte imbalance.
Iodine
Iodine deficiency can cause goiter, a condition in which the thyroid gland becomes enlarged. It can also lead to cretinism, a condition in which the brain does not develop properly, and a deterioration of metabolism and cellular functioning.
Actionable Health Tips
To prevent nutritional deficiencies, it is important to eat a healthy diet that includes a variety of foods from all food groups. Here are some actionable health tips:
- Eat plenty of fruits and vegetables.
- Choose whole grains over refined grains.
- Include lean protein in your meals.
- Limit saturated and unhealthy fats.
- Get enough calcium and vitamin D.
- Take a multivitamin supplement if you are at risk for nutritional deficiencies.
References
- National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements
- Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics
- World Health Organization: Nutrition
Call to Action
If you are concerned that you may have a nutritional deficiency, talk to your doctor. They can recommend a blood test to check your nutrient levels and provide you with personalized advice on how to improve your diet.