Vitamin deficiency: what are the symptoms?

The human organism requires a certain amount of vitamins’A deficiency is the lack of absorption of various nutrients for its proper functioning. These minerals and vitamins are provided by the daily diet. However, it is possible that these elements are present, but in insufficient quantity.

This can lead to undernutrition or nutritional deficiency. What is it about ? How vitamin deficiency manifests itself in the body ?

What is a vitamin deficiency ?

A deficiency occurs when the body has not absorbed the ration of nutrients essential to its functioning. Vitamin needs are determined by the person’s state of health, his or her food intake, but also by his or her lifestyle (smoker, alcoholic, athlete, etc.).

Vitamins are necessary for the balance of the different organs, so it is important to ingest enough of them. It is not very difficult, because they are found in the foods of the quotient. Vitamin deficiencies are thus rare, but they can occur due to nutritional insufficiency and poor eating habits.

Malabsorption of these micronutrients by the body as well as illness can prevent the absorption of vitamins and cause a deficiency.

How to know if you have a vitamin deficiency ?

The symptoms of a vitamin deficiency are quite easy to detect. The doctor will review the person’s lifestyle and diet to determine what needs are being met.

Generally, this deficiency results in fatigue and a feeling of weakness even after eating. Depending on the type of vitamin deficiency, it is possible to notice extreme paleness, a change in appetite or constipation in the person. Vitamin deficiency can lead to heavy hair loss and increased split ends. Hair problems are very common in cases of vitamin deficiency.

It is also possible to be subject to a lack of concentration or depression.

Some of the most serious symptoms of a vitamin deficiency are breathing problems or palpitations. These can hide another more serious disease, it is essential to go to the doctor for a diagnosis. These different symptoms do not appear together, but depend on the type of vitamin deficiency. To treat this type of problem, it is often necessary to follow a specific diet.

It is also possible that the doctor will prescribe vitamin supplements or consultation with a dietician.

The different types of vitamin deficiency

There are several types of vitamins that the body needs to function properly. Vitamin deficiencies can be varied and have different consequences.

Vitamin A deficiency

Vitamin A is very important for the immune system, but especially for the eyes and reproduction. Vitamin A deficiency affects mostly children and sometimes pregnant women. It can cause blindness in young children and increases the risk of maternal mortality.

Vitamin B1 deficiency

Also called thiamine, this vitamin can cause muscle or nerve damage. This type of deficiency is frequent in populations that consume husked rice. A vitamin B1 deficiency can also cause heart problems and beriberi disease.

Vitamin B3 deficiency

Vitamin B3 is found in most foods containing proteins. It is therefore rare for people who eat meat to be subject to this type of deficiency. On the other hand, it has become common among vegetarians and vegans. The lack of niacin or vitamin PP in the body can lead to pellagra, causing skin lesions. This disease can also lead to diarrhea and dementia in the affected person.

At worst, the vitamin B3 deficiency if left untreated, can cause sudden death.

Vitamin B9 deficiency

A vitamin B9 deficiency can affect the functioning of the brain and lead to nervous disorders. In some people, this lack will disrupt the production of red blood cells and cause anemia. Also known as folate, vitamin B9 is very important for the proper development of the fetus.

It is involved in the development of the baby’s spinal cord and brain formation. A flagrant lack of this vitamin can then be the cause of congenital malformations and growth disorders.

Vitamin C deficiency

Although this vitamin is very well known, vitamin C deficiency is very common. It causes intense fatigue at first, but also bleeding gums or loss of time. If it is not treated and persists, this lack can lead to the appearance of scurvy.

Vitamin D deficiency

Almost 50% of the world’s population is subject to vitamin D deficiency. however, it is an essential vitamin for the fixation of calcium as well as for the health of the bones. The lack of vitamin D in the body can cause bone growth disorders also rickets. On the other hand, it is very easy to prevent it by regularly eating dairy products or salmon.

Even more natural, exposure to the sun can promote the production of vitamin D in the body.