Micronutrient deficiencies can cause many symptoms and lead to the development of certain health conditions. Common symptoms of vitamin and mineral deficiencies may include constant fatigue, weakness, and hair loss.
Vitamins and minerals, also known as micronutrients, are essential for staying healthy. Without them, your body has difficulty performing vital functions.
Vitamins are organic compounds. Your body requires them in small amounts. Minerals are inorganic elements. You generally need larger quantities than vitamins. The exception is trace minerals, which you only need in small quantities.
It can be challenging for a doctor to diagnose nutritional deficiencies. This is because symptoms are often vague or overlap between different types of deficiencies. A healthcare professional may use a blood test to confirm a vitamin and mineral deficiency.
Supplementing vitamins and minerals without first confirming a deficiency is not advisable, as it sometimes may lead to toxicity and more symptoms.
Signs of common mineral and vitamin deficiencies
Although you may be deficient in any vitamin or mineral at any time, some deficiencies may be more likely than others. Here is an overview of a few common deficiencies.
Iron
Iron is essential for producing hemoglobin, a protein in the blood that carries oxygen throughout your body. Iron is also necessary to make certain hormones, have vital energy, and filter residues in the liver.
Iron deficiency may lead to anemia and symptoms like:
Calcium is essential for strong bones and teeth and the proper function of blood vessels, muscles, nerves, and hormones.
Calcium deficiency may cause:
numbness in your limbs
tingling fingers
increased risk of bone fractures
Good calcium sources include:
dairy products
leafy greens
fortified foods like plant-based milk or cereals
fish with soft bones
soy and tofu
supplements like calcium chloride (injection) or calcium citrate
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Long-term or severe mineral and vitamin deficiencies may sometimes lead to medical conditions and chronic symptoms. Some of these are rare but may include:
How long does it take to reverse a mineral deficiency?
How long it takes to reverse a vitamin or mineral deficiency may depend on factors like:
severity of the deficiency
type of deficiency
reversal method — for example, diet vs. medications
If you have a micronutrient deficiency, it’s important to follow treatment instructions from a healthcare professional for a safe approach.
Common causes of mineral and vitamin deficiencies
Micronutrient deficiency may be due to the following:
Inadequate diet: For example, if your diet excludes entire food groups, you live with an eating disorder, or have a reduced appetite.
Certain medical conditions: Some disorders affect how your body absorbs nutrients.
Inadequate absorption: Gastrointestinal disorders and some surgeries may also interfere with how your body absorbs nutrients.
Increased need for certain nutrients: For instance, your nutrient demands may change during pregnancy or when nursing, if you have heavy periods, or as you age.
Medications: Some drugs can interfere with nutrient absorption or increase nutrient excretion.
Other lifestyle factors: For example, you may not get enough vitamin D if you don’t have much sun exposure.
Summary
Common micronutrient deficiencies include iron, vitamin D, and zinc. Causes may involve restricted diet, health conditions, and medications.
A doctor may confirm deficiencies of vitamins or minerals via a lab test. It is not advisable to supplement without confirming with a healthcare professional that your symptoms are due to a nutrient deficiency.
A healthcare professional can help diagnose any deficiencies and potential underlying causes. They can also suggest suitable ways to get your levels back to usual. This may involve dietary changes, supplements, or medications.
