Vitamins and Minerals are so important to a healthy, functioning human body – it’s important to notice the signs of deficiency. Vitamins and minerals (those nutrients normally found in a multivitamin) are critical because they help the body carry out some of its vital functions. A vitamin is a more complex molecule, while a mineral is a single element in the periodic table. Here are some visible signs that you might be deficient in particular vitamins or minerals. The point here is to get you to recognize that vitamins and minerals are important, and that’s why a multivitamin is a good idea. Do not supplement an individual vitamin or mineral without the advice of a nutritionist or naturopathic physician, because overdose or imbalance is possible for some of them, and also because some of these symptoms may be indicative of an underlying condition. Nails and Hair: Ridges: often a zinc deficiency White spots: often a zinc deficiency Hang nails: often a zinc deficiency Soft or brittle nails: may be a magnesium deficiency Hair loss: can be a lot of things, but biotin or zinc deficiency are possible Skin: Dermatitis (inflamed skin): related to deficiency in Vitamins B2, B3, B6, C, E, A, zinc, and biotin Follicular Hyperkeratosis (plugged pores on the backs of the arms): Vitamin A deficiency Seborrheic Dermatitis (flaky, oily skin): could be a biotin deficiency Eczema: potentially Vitamin B2 or Vitamin E deficiency. Psoriasis: associated with low Vitamin A, D, E, C, and zinc.v Acne Vulgaris: associated with deficiency in Vitamins A, B5, B6, E, and zinc Acne Rosacea: associated with deficiency in Vitamins C and B2 Eyes: Night blindness: vitamin A deficiency Dark circles: sometimes called “allergic shiners”; often a sign of food intolerance Nose: Epistaxis (nose bleeds): may be a folate or Vitamin B12 deficiency, Vitamin K deficiency, or a lack of antioxidants. Get this worked up if it’s frequent. Mouth: Swollen or fissured tongue: may be iron deficiency, or lack of vitamins B2, B3, B6, or B12 Cracked, peeling lips or edges of the mouth: may be a vitamin B2 deficiency Bleeding gums: vitamin C deficiency Gum disease: folic acid, CoQ10, or Vitamin C deficiency Loss of taste: may be a B12 or zinc deficiency Canker sores: may be a B12 or folate deficiency Ears: Tinnitus: may be caused by a lot of things, but could be a Vitamin B3, B12 or Vitamin E deficiency. Get this worked up. Muscles: Frequent soreness or spasm: may be a magnesium deficiency or electrolyte imbalance Restless Leg Syndrome: may be caused by a number of things, but can be an electrolyte imbalance, or deficiency in iron, calcium, Vitamin E or folate. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it might be a good idea to 1) increase your fruit and veggie intake, 2) find a good, absorbable WHOLEFOOD multivitamin and 3) find out if you have an underlying condition that is preventing absorption of nutrients, or are taking prescription meds that inhibit absorption. (And for the noted conditions, consider getting a thorough workup.)
Posted on: Sun, 02 Jun 2013 13:26:54 +0000
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