Signs of Vitamin Deficiency

When you're not quite feeling like yourself, there are other reasons at play than too much stress or lack of sleep. Even if you're eating well, the issue may point to a vitamin deficiency. 

The good news is once you know what to look out for, you can focus on improving your vitamin intake for a healthier you and optimize your life. Here are some common symptoms and deficiencies to look out for.

Fatigue

Low levels of iron, Vitamin D, or B12 wreak havoc on your energy levels. If you're feeling fatigued, it could be from stress, lack of sleep, or a vitamin deficiency could be at play. At least 42% of the U.S. population doesn't get enough Vitamin-D. Along with issues with energy levels; you could also notice muscle weaknesses and pain.

Brittle Hair and Nails

Brittle hair and nails are often signs of a poor diet or lack of the right vitamins. There are several options to consider, including Vitamin B7 and H. Taking more fish oil supplements and consuming healthy fats and protein can also help restore the health of your hair and nails.

A lack of calcium also causes overall dryness and scaly skin. Whether you enjoy drinking whole milk or not, a good calcium supplement can also help with various skin and hair-related health.

Hair Loss

It's unsettling when hair starts to fall out and thin, especially when it doesn't seem like anything else has changed. In reality, a deficiency in Vitamins and minerals often amplifies hair loss, graying, and whitening, especially when you're younger.

Get a handle on your hair loss by adding more Vitamin B 12 to your diet or supplement regimen. A nutritious diet with more riboflavin, biotin, and folate can also help reduce hair loss issues.

Dizziness

Despite what a common symptom of dizziness is as a Vitamin deficiency, it's often overlooked. If you want to stay on top of dizzy spells, try more B 12 and Vitamin D to address the problem, as well as headaches and low energy levels. A simple blood test can help determine whether you're running low and correct the issue.

Cracked Lips

Chapped lips are a common symptom of Vitamin deficiency, especially B2, B6, B9, and B12. A little balm and attention to your diet may help if it's just cold out. But a B Vitamin deficiency also points to cracked lips that are difficult to heal and painful to deal with. Stay on top of your health with some B-family vitamins and lip protection during inclement weather.

 

Restless Leg Syndrome

Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is uncomfortable and can keep you from sleeping well and feeling well-rested and ready to face the day. Fortunately,here are some ways to soothe your RLS symptoms. Studies show that Vitamin D supplements can reduce the symptoms, including a regimen of iron, Vitamin C, and E.​​

Pale Skin

Pale or yellowing skin could mean a few different Vitamin deficiencies. Jaundice, or yellowing skin, could point to a lack of B-12 and develops when you're not producing enough red blood cells.

If you don't get much sun or have fair skin, you could be prone to a Vitamin D deficiency. Beyond the hue of your skin, you may experience dry and itchy skin.

Depression 

If you're feeling depressed, it could be more than your brain chemistry or environment. A lack of essential vitamins could also drag you down without realizing it.

Consuming more Omega-3 fatty acids is one place to start to increase brain function and potentially reduce inflammation. Vitamin D is also on the list, which a lack of is linked to depression and dementia. Adding more magnesium, Vitamin B complex, folate, amino acids, iron, and zinc can also contribute to a stable mood and brain health.

Of course, tread with caution. There are several causes of depression, and you should address your situation with a doctor or trained professional.

Infection

Frequent respiratory infections could be allergy related, but they may also signal a Vitamin D deficiency. This crucial vitamin is associated with an increased risk of all sorts of illnesses, especially in the respiratory tract.

Beyond infections, inadequate vitamin intake or poor absorption can compromise your immune response. You need a good source of zinc, selenium, iron, copper, folic acid, and Vitamins A, B6, C, D, and E.

Easy Bruising 

Bruising is sometimes a sign of Vitamin K deficiency, a fat-soluble nutrient vital for blood clotting. It also helps strengthen your capillary walls and keeps them from breaking easily. Like man ailments on our round-up, more Vitamin D could also help with frequent bruising.

Get More Vitamins in Your Diet

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