Symptoms of Deficiencies Caused by Vitamins and Minerals

Vitamins and minerals are vital for the proper functioning of the body organ. The lack of these vitamins and minerals causes various ailments. Below are the vitamins and minerals along with the symptoms of deficiencies.

Vitamin A – Vitamin A deficiency causes dryness of skin and eyes, eventually leading to night blindness; slows down growth; deformation of bones and teeth may also result.

Vitamin B – Vitamin B1 deficiency causes beri-beri. Deficiency of Vitamin B2 causes chaps on the skin around the eyes, nose and mouth. The deficiency of niacin is responsible for pellagra and deterioration of nerves. Insufficient intake of Vitamin B6 results in anemia and skin diseases. Metabolic reactions are disrupted by a lack of pantothenic acid. The symptoms of deficiency of biotin or folcin resemble those caused by a lack of pantothenic acid. Deficiency of Vitamin B12 slows down growth and induces pernicious anemia.

Vitamin C – Lack of Vitamin C causes scurvy, diseased conditions of teeth and gums, internal hemorrhage, osteoporesis, loss of weight, and in some cases, even sterility.

Vitamin D – Osteoporesis is caused by deficiency of Vitamin D. This leads to rickets in children.

Vitamin E – Lack of Vitamin E may cause sterility.

Vitamin K – If there is a deficiency of Vitamin K, prothrombin cannot be synthesized by the body. As a result, blood fails to clot, and even minor cuts result in copious bleeding.

Calcium – Lack of calcium weakens bones and teeth, and causes osteoporesis.

Phosphorus – Lack of phosphorus causes weakening of the bones and teeth, and loss of weight.

Potassium – The deficiency of potassium may cause weakness of the muscles, even paralysis. It may also cause brittleness of the bones, sterility and heart ailments.

Sulphur – Some metabolic processes in the body are hindered by a deficiency of sulphur.

Iodine – Lack of iodine impairs the function of the thyroid gland, resulting in goiter.

Magnesium – Bones, teeth and muscles weaken due to the deficiency of magnesium. Insufficient supply of magnesium may even give rise to heart ailments.

Chlorine – Bones weaken and joints stiffen if there is a deficiency of chlorine.

Sodium – Lack of sodium can cause headache, nausea, slower development of the body, and disorders of the muscles.

Iron – Anemia is the principal symptom of iron deficiency.

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.