There are now strong links between low intakes of particular nutrients and the risk of developing chronic disease including some cancers, heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and depression. During pregnancy, insufficient nutrient intake can have long-term health implications for the health of the child.
The most common cause of vitamin and mineral deficiencies is from not eating the right foods for sufficient nutrient intake. Finding foods which are sources of essential nutrients is the most straightforward way to increase intake and prevent vitamin and mineral deficiency.
These include, but are not limited to, Protein Energy Malnutrition, Scurvy, Rickets, Beriberi, Hypocalcemia, Osteomalacia, Vitamin K Deficiency, Pellagra, Xerophthalmia, and Iron Deficiency.
These deficiencies can result in many disorders including anemia and goitre. Examples of mineral deficiency include, zinc deficiency, iron deficiency, and magnesium deficiency.
How to test your vitamin and mineral levels. Most vitamin and mineral deficiencies can be picked up with a blood test, like: a finger-prick blood test — using a lancet, you can prick your finger and collect a small blood sample.
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).
Fatigue and weakness
Fatigue or a general feeling of being “worn down” is a common symptom associated with many types of nutritional deficiencies, including deficiencies of vitamin D, iron and magnesium. Like calcium, vitamin D is also important for healthy bones and muscles.
Vitamin B12 deficiency can also cause symptoms that affect your brain and nervous system (neurological symptoms), including: numbness. muscle weakness. psychological problems, which can range from mild depression or anxiety, to confusion and dementia.
Vitamin B deficiency (B1, B6, B7, B12, B complex) can contribute to depression, anxiety, and mood swings. It is associated with a disruption in the nervous system as well as the circulatory system. B12/B9, or folate, is at the forefront of mood management.
At-home vitamin deficiency tests are available from online retailers, including LetsGetChecked, Everlywell, MyLab Box, and more. Popular test kits can measure a person's vitamin D, B12, or iron levels.
Visit your PCP. Many PCPs will check a specific nutrient level via a blood test if you ask for it and explain why you want to have it tested. Certain nutrient deficiency tests, like vitamin D, vitamin B12, magnesium, and calcium are commonly used in mainstream medicine settings.
Full blood count (FBC)
This can help give an indication of your general health, as well as provide important clues about certain health problems you may have. For example, an FBC may detect signs of: iron deficiency anaemia or vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia. infection or inflammation.
Possible culprit: A vitamin or mineral deficiency
One possible reason for feeling tired, anxious, and weak is having low levels of iron, vitamin D, or B12. Many experts believe that a significant percentage of the U.S. population is deficient in vitamin D.
Symptoms when vitamin D is low
"Most patients with vitamin D deficiency are asymptomatic, however if you're exhausted, your bones hurt, you have muscle weakness or mood changes, that's an indication that something may be abnormal with your body," says Dr. Lacey. Symptoms of vitamin D deficiency may include: Fatigue.
Magnesium deficiency symptoms include: Fatigue. Leg cramping or twitching. Unexplained muscle weakness.