A perfectly balanced diet is the best way to get all the nutrients your body needs. But vitamin deficiencies can happen despite your best efforts. This simple guide lists seven symptoms of nutrient deficiency and the vitamins and minerals you need.
Bleeding Gums
Pale pink is the colour of healthy gums, snugly fitted around each tooth. If you experience bleeding, it might indicate a more serious problem. Gingivitis, hormonal changes, and gum disease are some reasons why gums bleed. But there are also contributing factors like having a new toothbrush, starting a flossing routine, and nutrient deficiency.
Vitamin K and Vitamin C play a significant role in maintaining healthy gums. Vitamin K helps the blood clot, preventing excessive bleeding, while Vitamin C helps keep the connective tissues in your gums strong and healthy. Vitamins K and C supplements reduce erosive tooth wear in early childhood.
Fatigue
Many people often say they do not have the energy to accomplish the tasks at hand, the feeling of constantly running on empty. Sometimes fatigue is caused by lack of sleep or recovery from the flu. But vitamin deficiency is also a factor. Check out these three vitamins that may help you overcome fatigue.
Fatigue is usually the first symptom of anaemia. Anaemia happens when there are not enough red blood cells (RBC) to meet the body’s need for oxygen or when these cells do not carry enough haemoglobin (an important protein). Fill up your body’s iron supply with iron-rich foods (like eggs, rice, beans, and red meat) or iron supplements.
Your body requires enough Vitamin B12 to produce healthy red blood cells. So a deficiency in B12 can also cause anaemia. Dairy products and meat are good sources of this vitamin. But over time, it becomes more difficult for the body to absorb Vitamin B12. Oral supplements usually do the trick in addressing B12 deficiency, especially for vegans who do not consume meat or dairy.
The deficit in this vitamin can wear down bone and muscle strength. There are not many natural food sources of Vitamin D, but you can get it through consuming some types of fish (like tuna and salmon) and fortified products (like orange juice, milk, and breakfast cereals). Your body also generates Vitamin D when you are exposed to sunlight. Supplements are also a great way to ensure you get enough Vitamin D.
Muscle Cramps
Calcium helps with muscle contraction. So low levels of this mineral might result in more muscle cramps in your back and legs. Other symptoms, such as bone-related injuries and tingling in arms and legs, also manifest calcium deficit. Good sources of calcium include cheese, milk, yoghurt, broccoli, kale, and tofu. But if you have one of the following conditions, you will need calcium from supplement intake.
- Lactose intolerance
- Being vegan
- Consume a lot of protein or sodium
- Porous bones
- Digestive diseases causing poor calcium absorption
Changes in Vision
Vitamins A, C, and E deficiency can increase the risk of certain eye conditions. Vitamin A is essential for good eyesight, allowing the eye to see in low-light conditions. Vitamin C protects the eyes from UV light damage. Vitamin E has antioxidant properties that help fight unstable atoms that damage body tissues, including the eyes.
Changes in Hair, Skin and Nails
Biotin or Vitamin B7 is essential in metabolising proteins needed to produce healthy hair, skin, and nail cells. People severely deficient in biotin often experience hair loss, eczema, and brittle nails. Taking supplements can help in addressing those conditions.
Bruising Easily
Bruising also occurs due to a deficiency of Vitamin C and Vitamin K. Vitamin C is needed for healing and collagen formation. So you may bruise easily if your body is not getting enough Vitamin C. Vitamin K also plays a vital role in blood clotting. So a Vitamin K deficiency, though more common among infants, could also contribute to bruising.
Eye Redness and Cracked Lips
Vitamin B2 deficiency could cause eyes to look bloodshot, sensitive to light, watery, and itchy. A deficit in Vitamin B2 may also cause chapped (cracked) lips, cracked mouth corners, oily nose, migraine, and bright red tongue. Malabsorption (poor absorption), not the failure to consume Vitamin B2-rich foods, is the reason behind this deficiency. Gut inflammation and consumption of refined carbohydrates are the culprits of poor Vitamin B2 absorption.
Conclusion
It is not easy to maintain a diet that meets all the nutrient requirements of the body. But taking dietary supplements is an excellent alternative to address the health conditions you might overlook. Nature’s Glory offers a wide range of food supplements rich in probiotics, enzymes, raw nutrients, and natural antioxidants.