1. Deficiency of Vitamin D
Vitamin D is produced when skin is exposed to sunlight, or through certain food sources. A deficiency in Vitamin D can result in diseases called Rickets in children and Osteomalacia in adults, both characterized by muscle weakness, bone pain in legs and delayed tooth development in children. Treatment usually includes daily high doses of Vitamin D taken daily for one month; additional supplements like calcium or phosphate may be required as well.
2. Deficiency of Calcium
Calcium is an indispensable mineral, essential for muscle contraction, bone and tooth formation, blood clotting, nerve transmission and hormone production. Furthermore, calcium regulates vitamin D absorption as well as aiding various enzyme functions.
Calcium deficiency symptoms may include muscle cramps and spasms, brittle nails and slow hair growth. This condition is usually diagnosed through blood testing where medical professionals compare your results against a reference range to determine whether you have low calcium levels (hypocalcemia). Certain health conditions can reduce calcium absorption.
3. Deficiency of Iron
Iron is necessary for creating hemoglobin, an erythrocyte protein which carries oxygen through red blood cells. People with low levels may experience fatigue, weakness, nausea and constipation.
Iron deficiency may result from any number of causes, including blood loss during heavy periods and pregnancy, insufficient diet containing iron-rich foods or conditions which limit our bodies ability to absorb it (such as celiac disease or Crohn’s disease). A doctor can detect iron deficiency with a blood test.
4. Deficiency of Vitamin A
Vitamin A is an essential nutrient essential to vision, skin and immune health. Also referred to as retinol or retinal, vitamin A can be found in foods like dairy products, vegetables and fruit and deficiency may lead to fatigue, weakness and an increase susceptibility for infections.
Vitamin A deficiency can result in xerophthalmia, an eye condition characterized by night blindness, itchy skin patches, thinned corneal tissue and conjunctiva membranes, as well as oval or triangular foamy patches on the whites of eyes (known as Bitot’s spots). Vitamin A deficiencies are especially prevalent among third world countries where diets may not meet nutritional requirements.
8. Deficiency of Magnesium
Magnesium plays an essential role in our bodies, from helping develop bones and teeth to maintaining heart and nervous system health.
Diets low in magnesium may contribute to magnesium deficiency in older people as their magnesium absorption decreases as they age. Gastrointestinal disorders like Crohn’s and celiac disease can further deplete magnesium stores through stool.
Lack of magnesium can lead to various health problems, from low energy and fatigue to weakening bones and increasing risk of high blood pressure in pregnant women.
