Mineral deficiency is a lack of the dietary minerals, the micronutrients that are needed for an organism's proper health. The cause may be a poor diet, impaired uptake of the minerals that are consumed, or a dysfunction in the organism's use of the mineral after it is absorbed.
These include, but are not limited to, Protein Energy Malnutrition, Scurvy, Rickets, Beriberi, Hypocalcemia, Osteomalacia, Vitamin K Deficiency, Pellagra, Xerophthalmia, and Iron Deficiency.
Mineral deficiency can lead to disease such as anemia and goitre.
Calcium, phosphorus, vitamin D, and the hormones that regulate them are very important in skeletal development and mineralization. Abnormalities in these can disrupt calcium homeostasis and therefore cause disorders of mineral metabolism or skeletal disorders of childhood.
The largest body of evidence demonstrates stress-induced depletion of magnesium and zinc, although several studies (both human and animal) demonstrate the effects of stress on calcium and iron concentrations.
Phytates (phytic acid) in whole grains, seeds, legumes, some nuts—can decrease the absorption of iron, zinc, magnesium, and calcium. [2,3] Saponins in legumes, whole grains—can interfere with normal nutrient absorption. Tannins in tea, coffee, legumes—can decrease iron absorption.
Based on current research, it usually takes 1-3 months of consistent supplementation to correct a vitamin deficiency. If you're severely deficient in a vitamin, it may take longer to restore optimal levels. Keep in mind, there isn't a catch-all answer for how long it takes vitamins to kick in.
Most of the evidence shows that there is an association between zinc deficiency and anxiety, and that zinc repletion may alleviate the symptoms.
Muscle weakness due to vitamin D deficiency is predominantly of the proximal muscle groups and is manifested by a feeling of heaviness in the legs, tiring easily, and difficulty in mounting stairs and rising from a chair; the deficiency is reversible with supplementation (15–18).
The most common cause of vitamin and mineral deficiencies is not eating the right foods to encourage nutrient intake. Finding foods which are sources of essential nutrients is the most straightforward way to encourage intake and prevent vitamin and mineral deficiency.
Your doctor may perform blood tests to check the levels of certain vitamins or minerals. If you are unable to get all the nutrients you need from food alone, your doctor can help you decided if dietary supplements are needed.
Nutrient deficiencies can also lead to diseases. “For example, calcium and vitamin D deficiencies can cause osteopenia or osteoporosis, two conditions marked by brittle bones,” says Kate Patton, RD, a dietitian at the Cleveland Clinic in Ohio. “And inadequate iron can cause anemia, which zaps your energy.”
Magnesium deficiency symptoms include: Fatigue. Leg cramping or twitching. Unexplained muscle weakness.
What are the symptoms of zinc deficiency? Zinc deficiency can result in skin changes that look like eczema at first. There may be cracks and a glazed appearance on the skin, often found around the mouth, nappy area and hands. The rash doesn't get better with moisturisers or steroid creams or lotions.
Water. Water is probably the most important essential nutrient that a person needs. A person can only survive a few days without consuming water. Even slight dehydration can cause headaches and impaired physical and mental functioning.