Vitamins and minerals are vital organic compounds needed to ensure our bodies work to the best of their abilities. Many of us will be able to get all the nutrients we need by sticking to a healthy, balanced diet.
However, there are several reasons why a person might become deficient in a certain vitamin or mineral. It could be that they’re not eating the right foods or that their body isn’t able to correctly absorb them.
Whatever the reason it is important to look out for any potential warning signs of a deficiency. Left untreated for a long period of time a deficiency can become dangerous.
With this in mind one expert shared some telltale signs of a vitamin deficiency. Speaking to GloucestershireLive, Samantha Greener – wellness expert at Simply Supplements – said: “It’s important to recognise any signs of vitamin deficiency within our bodies, so we take the necessary steps to increase the levels of essential minerals.
“If you are experiencing any blurry vision or struggle to see in low lights you could be deficient in vitamin A. Bone and muscle pain might be linked to a lack of vitamin D, as it helps to absorb calcium into the body.
“The feeling of weak teeth and those prone to gum infections might need to increase their levels of vitamin C, found in foods such as oranges, peppers and broccoli.
“You should ensure to eat a varied and balanced diet to get all of the goodness inside your body, and taking supplements is another alternative to ensuring you have the right amount of vitamins and minerals.
“It’s also recommended that if anyone is worried or concerned about any symptoms they may have, then they should always check with a medical professional to make sure there isn’t anything more serious.”
Here are the five important signs you may be deficient in essential vitamins and minerals.
Blurry vision
This could be a sign of a lack of vitamin A, which is found in leafy green vegetables such as spinach and broccoli, and yellow vegetables such as carrots and sweet potatoes.
It is important to keep the body’s immune system healthy and working as a good defence against illness.
Vitamin A is also essential for overall eye health, so vision loss, blurriness or difficulty seeing in low lights could be a sign of this deficiency.
Bone and muscle pain
Vitamin D helps with the absorption of calcium meaning the feeling of weakened and painful bones can be an indication of low levels.
Muscle aches can also signal a vitamin D deficiency as it has an important role in ensuring our muscles work efficiently.
Brittle, dry hair
Brittle and dry hair, as well as thinning hair, can be caused by a lack of zinc because the follicles on our scalps become weaker with the lack of this mineral.
This mineral can be found in meats, fish and dairy products but like all the other nutrients on this list can also be taken as a supplement.
Brain fog
Now often associated with Covid, brain fog and memory loss could actually be caused by a vitamin B deficiency.
The vitamin is found in proteins and leafy greens and supports the overall health of our brains.
Cognitive functions are supported by vitamin B, so any deficiencies could affect our mental abilities.
Weak teeth and gum infections
Vitamin C has an important role in our oral hygiene, especially when it comes to helping prevent gum disease.
A lack of vitamin C could lead to an increased risk of gum infections and weaker teeth. It can be found in foods such as citrus fruits, peppers and broccoli.
If you are concerned that you could be experiencing a vitamin deficiency you should speak to your GP.
The vitamin is found in proteins and leafy greens and supports the overall health of our brains.
Cognitive functions are supported by vitamin B, so any deficiencies could affect our mental abilities.
