Our body requires vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients for optimum functional efficiency, and any kind of deficiency is a serious problem. It should be recognized and treated without delay. The good news is that the human body is like a mirror, reflecting deficiencies within in external symptoms. If you are vigilant and make it a point never to ignore these symptoms, you can easily detect a deficiency at an early stage and correct it. A blood test can confirm certain vitamin deficiencies, but as mentioned, nutrient deficiency symptoms are reflected in five important parts of the body.
Read more about what to eat get your vitamins
1. Head
- Hair loss is a sign of vitamin deficiency. Common deficiencies include folic acid, vitamin B5, vitamin B6, and EFAs (essential fatty acids). Vitamin A toxicity or other environmental toxicities may also cause hair loss.
- Dandruff problems indicate EFA, antioxidant (especially selenium), or B-complex deficiencies
- Premature greying is a sign of pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) deficiency.
2. Face
- Dark circles under the eyes can indicate a low intake of quercetin and vitamin C.
- Acne is mostly caused by zinc, EFA, and vitamin A deficiency and may be triggered by the over-consumption of bad fatty acids like those present in fried, oily food.
- Tooth decay is a sign of deficiency of vitamin B6 and minerals like boron, calcium, and silica.
- Bleeding gums are a result of inadequate intake of vitamin C and bioflavonoids.
- Cracks at the corners of the mouth are a sign of deficiencies in B2 (riboflavin) and other B-complex vitamins.
- A sore tongue may be a sign of B12, folic acid, iron, and/or zinc deficiency.
- A pale tongue may indicate low iron levels, so an iron test is recommended.
3. Skin
- Dry skin is often caused by deficiencies in EFAs, vitamin A, and/or vitamin E.
- Skin tags around the neck, arms, and back are a sign of glucose intolerance or reactive insulin levels.
- Small red bumps on the back of the arms may be indicative of deficiencies in vitamin A, vitamin E, zinc, and EFAs.
- Easy bruising of the skin may indicate low levels of vitamins K, C, or E, and/or bioflavonoids.
- Slow wound healing is a sign of deficiencies in vitamin A, vitamin C, zinc, and/or EFAs. It may also indicate the presence of diabetes.
4. Hands & Nails
- Hangnails and cuticle inflammation may be a sign of zinc deficiency.
- Skin cracking at the tips of fingers showcases deficiencies in zinc, vitamin E, or EFAs.
- Cold hands are a sign of deficiencies in EFAs, niacin (vitamin B3), vitamin E, vitamin B12, or iron.
- Flat angle/spooning of nails may be a result of iron deficiency.
- Ridged nails are caused by low levels of minerals.
5. Feet
- Nail abnormalities in the feet and toes similar to those found in hands (such as ridged nails), may indicate the same vitamin deficiencies.
- Tingly feet with poor circulation is a sign of vitamin D3 deficiency. You may need to get more sunlight!
Deficiencies of essential vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients are usually a result of poor dietary habits like low intake of fruits and vegetables. If you eat a balanced diet, you can easily prevent vitamin deficiencies. For example, eating more foods rich in vitamin E (like almonds), can help to overcome skin and hair hassles that are very common nowadays.
Read more about female hair loss causes and treatment
If you have one or more symptoms highlighted above, consider discussing them with a healthcare provider. Some of these symptoms may also point to a deeper issue, such as venous blood clots, kidney disorders, or thyroid disease. Take a stand and protect your body from vitamin deficiencies by eating healthy!
Image: Paul Watson
Author Bio: Surela Mukherjee is a passionate blogger, a foodie, and a fitness freak. She is a content writer who loves writing about beauty, lifestyle, food, health, and wellness. She believes in spreading the word of happiness through her writings.
