These symptoms can indicate a vitamin deficiency
Permanent fatigue, mood swings, digestive problems and hair loss - a lack of vitamins can manifest itself in many unspecific symptoms. You can find out which signals from the body and illnesses you should not ignore in this article.
How can I recognise a vitamin deficiency?
Vitamin deficiency can manifest itself through a variety of symptoms, depending on the vitamin concerned and the severity of the deficiency. Here are some common symptoms:
Fatigue and exhaustion: Persistent fatigue and a general feeling of exhaustion can indicate various deficiencies, such as vitamin D, vitamin B1 or vitamin B12 [1,2].
Skin problems: Dry skin, skin rashes, redness or itching can indicate a deficiency of vitamins such as A, C, D or B vitamins (vitamin B6 and vitamin B1) [3,4].
Muscle weakness: Weak muscles, muscle cramps or muscle pain can be caused by a deficiency of vitamin D or vitamin E [1, 5].
Neurological problems: Tingling, numbness, memory impairment, dizziness or concentration problems can indicate vitamin B12 deficiency, but also a vitamin B6 and vitamin E deficiency [6,7].
Mouth or gum problems: Bleeding gums, mouth ulcers or tooth decay can indicate a vitamin C deficiency, among other things [8].
Digestive problems: Problems such as diarrhoea, constipation or stomach discomfort can be due to B vitamin deficiency or insufficient vitamin D [9, 10].
What is the most common vitamin deficiency?
Vitamin deficiencies can vary depending on region, lifestyle, dietary habits and other factors. Some of the most common vitamin deficiencies worldwide are:
Vitamin D deficiency: Especially in regions with little sunlight or people who do not spend enough time outdoors, the risk of a vitamin D deficiency is increased. A deficiency can also occur in people with limited intake of vitamin D-rich foods (e.g. fatty fish and edible mushrooms) or with certain health conditions:
Vitamin B12 deficiency: This often occurs in people who follow a vegan diet or people whose bodies are not able to properly absorb vitamin B12 from food or supplements. Older adults also sometimes have problems absorbing vitamin B12 from their diet [11].
Vitamin A deficiency: In some parts of the world, particularly in developing countries where access to a balanced diet is limited, vitamin A deficiency is common [12].
How can I recognise vitamin D deficiency?
Vitamin D deficiency is one of the most common vitamin deficiencies. Vitamin D deficiency can manifest itself through various symptoms. Some common signs and symptoms may include:
Fatigue and exhaustion: Persistent tiredness and a feeling of fatigue may indicate a vitamin D deficiency [1].
Weak muscles: Weak muscles and an increased susceptibility to muscle pain or cramps could be signs of a vitamin D deficiency [1].
Mood swings: Low vitamin D levels are sometimes associated with depression, anxiety or other mental health conditions [13].
Bone weakness or pain: Vitamin D plays an important role in the absorption of calcium and the maintenance of bone health. A long-term deficiency can lead to bone weakness, pain or an increased risk of osteoporosis [14].
Infection susceptibility: A weakened immune system and frequent infections can be associated with a vitamin D deficiency [15].
Hair loss: Although it has not been adequately studied, vitamin D deficiency is sometimes associated with hair loss [16].
It is important to note that many of these symptoms may also be due to other health problems. A blood test to check vitamin D levels is the best way to determine if a deficiency is actually present.
Which vitamin deficiencies are dangerous?
A deficiency in different vitamins can have different effects on the body, and the severity of the consequences varies depending on the vitamin and the duration. However, some vitamin deficiencies can cause more serious health problems than others:
Vitamin D: A severe vitamin D deficiency can lead to bone problems such as rickets in children or osteomalacia in adults. In the long term, a vitamin D deficiency can also increase the risk of osteoporosis, muscle weakness and other diseases [17, 18, 1, 14].
Vitamin B12: A prolonged vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to neurological problems, fatigue and weakness, among other things. Long-term untreated deficiency can lead to serious neurological damage [6, 2].
Vitamin C: Serious and prolonged vitamin C deficiency can cause scurvy, which can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, bleeding gums, joint pain and serious long-term health problems [19].
Vitamin A: A severe vitamin A deficiency can lead to night blindness, eye problems, weakened immune system and skin problems [12].
It is important to note that a balanced vitamin balance is crucial for overall health and well-being. Some deficiencies can lead to serious problems in the long term, while others may have more acute effects.
What diseases result from vitamin deficiencies?
Serious deficiencies can lead to a variety of diseases and health problems, as vitamins fulfil important functions in the body. Here are some examples of diseases that can be caused by specific vitamin deficiencies:
Vitamin D deficiency: rickets in children, osteomalacia in adults (both lead to softening and deformation of the bones), increased risk of osteoporosis and muscle weakness [17, 18, 1, 14].
Vitamin B12 deficiency: Neurological and psychological problems (numbness, tingling, memory impairment and depression) [6, 2, 20].
Vitamin C deficiency: Scurvy (symptoms include bleeding gums, fatigue, joint pain, poor wound healing), increased susceptibility to infections due to a weakened immune system [19, 21].
Vitamin A deficiency: Night blindness, dry skin, increased susceptibility to infections, vision problems and even blindness [12].
Vitamin K deficiency: Blood clotting disorders that can lead to excessive bleeding [22]. Read more about the risks of vitamin K deficiency here.
Vitamin E deficiency: Neurological problems and muscle weakness [5,7].
It is important to emphasise that the effects of vitamin deficiencies can vary from person to person and often depend on the severity and duration of the deficiency. A balanced vitamin balance is crucial for the normal functioning of the body and the prevention of disease.
Which people are more likely to be affected by a vitamin deficiency?
People who are more likely to be affected can include different groups, depending on various factors such as lifestyle, dietary habits and health status. Here are some population groups that may be at higher risk of vitamin deficiency:
Elderly people: As we age, the body's ability to absorb or store vitamins can decrease. This can lead to an increased risk of vitamin deficiencies in older people, especially vitamin B12, vitamin D and others [23].
Pregnant or breastfeeding women: Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding have increased nutritional needs and may therefore be at higher risk of certain vitamin deficiencies, such as folic acid deficiency (vitamin B9) [24].
Vegetarians or vegans: People who eat an exclusively or predominantly plant-based diet may have a higher risk of vitamin B12 deficiencies, as this vitamin is mainly found in animal products [25]. Find out more here about how people can meet their needs with a plant-based diet.
People with certain diseases or health conditions: People with chronic diseases of the digestive system, celiac disease, kidney disease or certain metabolic disorders may be at higher risk of vitamin deficiencies, as these conditions can affect the absorption or metabolism of vitamins [26, 27].
People with limited access to a balanced diet: Vitamin deficiencies may be more common in regions or populations with limited access to a variety of foods or in situations of food scarcity.
Can you test to see if you have a vitamin deficiency?
Yes, there are several ways to test. Some common methods include:
Blood tests: This is the most common way to detect a vitamin deficiency. A blood test can measure the level of certain vitamins in the blood. For example, vitamin D is often determined by a blood test.
Symptom-based tests: Some deficiencies can be suspected based on specific symptoms. For example, symptoms such as fatigue, weakened immune system or bleeding gums can indicate a possible deficiency of vitamins such as vitamin C, D or B.
Nutritional analysis: An analysis of dietary habits can also provide clues to potential vitamin deficiencies. If certain vitamins are missing from your diet or are only present in small amounts, there is a possibility of a deficiency
Where can I test to see which vitamins I am lacking?
There are several ways to test for this:
Visiting a doctor: The easiest way is to see your doctor. A doctor can perform a blood test to check your vitamin levels. Based on your symptoms and medical history, the doctor can decide which specific vitamins should be tested.
Lab tests: Many labs offer tests that allow you to self-select specific vitamin or nutrient profiles. These tests can be ordered online or through your doctor. You will then receive a test kit with which you can take a blood sample and send it to the laboratory for analysis.
Health centres or clinics: Some health centres or clinics also offer vitamin and nutrient tests. You can find out if such facilities exist in your area and what tests they offer.
How much does a vitamin test at the doctor cost?
The cost of a vitamin test can vary depending on various factors such as the location, the type of test and the specific vitamins or nutrients to be tested. In some cases, these tests are covered by health insurance, especially if they are medically necessary or if the doctor suspects a deficiency condition.
The cost may also depend on whether the test is part of a routine physical or if it is requested due to specific symptoms or health concerns. It's best to talk to your insurance company and doctor about the cost before the test to understand if the test is covered and if there may be additional costs you'll need to cover.
What blood work can be done for vitamin deficiencies?
Blood work to check vitamin levels can include different tests, depending on the suspected deficiencies and symptoms a person is experiencing. Here are some blood tests that are typically used to identify specific vitamin deficiencies:
Vitamin D: The 25-hydroxyvitamin D blood test measures the amount of vitamin D in the blood. It is the most reliable test to determine vitamin D levels.
Vitamin B12: The blood test for B12 levels checks the level of vitamin B12 in the blood. Another test that can be performed is the methylmalonic acid or homocysteine test, as elevated levels of these substances can also indicate a vitamin B12 deficiency.
Vitamin C: A direct test for vitamin C is not common, as vitamin C levels in the blood fluctuate rapidly. However, doctors may consider the signs and symptoms to infer a deficiency.
Vitamin A: The level of vitamin A in the blood is sometimes measured to determine vitamin A status.
Vitamin K: Blood clotting ability is usually checked here, as vitamin K is important for blood clotting. The prothrombin time (PT) and the International Normalised Ratio (INR) are tests that can be carried out if a vitamin K deficiency is suspected.
Vitamin E: The test for vitamin E levels in the blood can be carried out to determine whether a deficiency is present.
These tests are used to determine the current vitamin status in the body. A doctor can decide which tests are most appropriate based on symptoms, medical history and specific suspected symptoms. In this article, we have summarised further exciting information on the topic.
Sources:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK532266/
[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7019700/
[3] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih. gov/pmc/articles/PMC4642156/
[4] https://www.sciencedirect. com/science/article/abs/pii/S0738081X21000742
[5] https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321800
[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4772032/
[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih. gov/pmc/articles/PMC8625211/
[8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8784414/
[9] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9227236/
[10] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7322162/
[11] https://www.health.harvard.edu/nutrition/the-truth-about-nutrient-deficiencies
[13] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6970300/
[14] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3257679/
[15] https://www. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3166406/
[16] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34553483/
[17] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33232959/
[18] https://www. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7839817/
[19] https://www.msdmanuals.com/de-de/heim/ern%C3%A4hrungsst%C3%B6rungen/vitamine/vitamin-c-mangel
[20] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7688056/
[21] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29099763/
[22] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30725668/
[23] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih. gov/pmc/articles/PMC8469089/
[24] https://www.health.harvard.edu/nutrition/the-truth-about-nutrient-deficiencies
[25] https://www.ncbi.nlm. nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10030528/
[26] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6681258/
[27] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8843767/
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