5 Signs of Vitamin Deficiency You Need to Know About

Having a healthy balance of vitamins in your body plays an important role in your overall well-being. A diet that lacks nutrients and vitamins can cause major health problems and a variety of unpleasant symptoms. With the help of these symptoms, your body tells you about possible vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Recognizing these symptoms can help improve your diet and improve your wellbeing.

Below are 5 symptoms that may indicate you have a vitamin deficiency. 

1. Bleeding gums

Bleeding gums is a common dental health issue that often arises from vitamin C deficiency. Vitamin C plays an important role in wound healing and helps your immunity keep bacterial infection at bay. What’s more, is vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, reducing oxidative stress and protecting your cells from damage. The main source of vitamin C is fresh fruits and vegetables. Because most people fail to eat enough fruits and vegetables, vitamin C deficiency isn’t rare. 

Boosting your intake of vitamin C can help improve the function of your immunity and preserve your gum health. Foods rich in vitamin C include orange, lemon, peppers, broccoli, etc. 

2. Fatigue and weakness

Fatigue and general weakness are common symptoms associated with many types of vitamin deficiency. Some vitamins are important for healthy bones and muscles, while others provide your body with energy. For example, a vitamin D deficiency can cause symptoms like muscle aches or general fatigue. 

If you have extremely low levels of iron, this may result in a condition called anemia. In this state, you don't have enough red blood cells to carry oxygen to the rest of your body. This results in fatigue, extreme tiredness, and pale skin. 

3. Hair, skin, and nail problems

Vitamins play a key role in the health of your hair and nails. Because of a vitamin deficiency, your hair and nails may become brittle. Several vitamins that are extremely important for hair growth and nail strength include:

• Biotin plays an important role in the health of your hair, nails, and skin. While biotin deficiency is rare, it can cause severe hair loss and nail thinning.
• Vitamin A helps keep your hair moisturized and boosts the production of collagen. Collagen is a protein that supports the health of your skin, hair, and nails.
• Vitamin E has potent antioxidant effects and reduces oxidative damage. The accumulation of oxidative damage can worsen the appearance of your hair, skin, and nails significantly.
• Vitamin D plays a vital role in the hair growth cycle. It ensures the health of hair follicles, making your hair stronger and stimulating hair growth. Besides, it reduces the negative effects of stress on your hair and skin.

Of course, vitamins and minerals obtained from food are considered better. But if you experience serious problems, taking supplements can be helpful. Another great way to boost vitamins is IV vitamin therapy. 

4. Mental health problems

Vitamins play an essential role in your mental health. The deficiency of certain vitamins can put your mental health at risk. If your diet lacks vitamin B, you may be prone to cognitive impairment and dementia. Low levels of folate are a major risk factor for depression. To preserve your mental health, include enough B vitamins and folate in your diet. The best sources of these ingredients include broccoli, leafy greens, liver, salmon, and eggs. 

5. Restless leg syndrome

Restless leg syndrome is a condition that causes unpleasant or uncomfortable sensations in the legs. As a result, you experience an urge to move your legs. This often interferes with healthy sleeping and decreases general wellbeing. Restless leg syndrome is often linked to low levels of iron. Increasing your intake of iron can help relieve the symptoms of restless leg syndrome.