We all know how important vitamins are for keeping us healthy and strong but what happens to our bodies when we become deficient in these vital nutrients? Since there are so many vitamins and they all serve a different purpose, becoming deficient in one vitamin may present different symptoms than another.
Vitamin A deficiency may present itself with visual impairments. If one finds that their night vision has become poor or they have problems distinguishing between colors, this could be a sign of vitamin A deficiency. Other symptoms can include drying and scaling of the skin, hardening of mucous membranes and cornea damage or blindness.
Vitamin B1 is also called Thiamin. A deficiency in this vitamin can cause edema (swelling) of the legs and body, abdominal pain, vomiting, irritability, seizures, loss of vocal ability, neurological symptoms, heart problems, circulatory failure and constipation.
Vitamin B2 is also called Riboflavin and a lack of this vitamin can also cause serious symptoms. Cracked lips and corners of the mouth are common, along with sore throat, and dermatitis. Also problems involving the eyes are common. Burning, itching eyes that are light sensitive can be attributed to Vitamin B2 deficiency. It is also common that the cornea of the eye become damaged. Growth in children with a vitamin B2 deficiency may be stunted.
Another B vitamin that is essential for maintaining health and well being is Vitamin B3 or Niacin. A niacin deficiency can cause a condition called pellagra. This usually occurs in the advanced stages of niacin deficiency and is very severe. Signs and symptoms of niacin deficiency include anorexia, headaches, weakness, fatigue, weight loss, indigestion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and serious skin problems. The skin can become very red, scaly and sore. The mouth, lips and tongue can also become sore and reddened. In the worst cases, one may become disoriented, confused and have paranoia and hallucinations. This can become a fatal condition if not treated.
There are two other B vitamins that one can become deficient in. Vitamins B6 and B12 are both very important for healthy functioning of the body. B6 is referred to as Pyridoxine and B12 is referred to as Cobalamin. When the body becomes deficient in B6, symptoms can include abdominal pain, vomiting, dermatitis, seizures, ataxia, cheilosis or glossitis. Symptoms of B12 deficiency include weight loss, pernicious anemia, anorexia, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, constipation, glossitis, and peripheral neuropathy.
Other Vitamins that one can become deficient in are Vitamins C, D, E and K. Vitamin C deficiency results in swollen gums, loose teeth, poor wound healing, weakness, anemia, anorexia, follicular hyperkeratosis, insomnia, lethargy, petechiae, ecchymoses, psychological disturbances, depression, irritability, hypochondriasis, hysteria, painful swelling in the legs, fever, vomiting and diarrhea. Vitamin D deficiency can result in restlessness, sweating, irritability, and chronic bone malformations. All bone structures in the body can be affected. Vitamin E deficiency is one of the hardest to recognize but presents itself as edema, muscle weakness, and skin lesions. Lastly, Vitamin K deficiency can be extremely dangerous and can result in a fatal outcome if not treated appropriately. Vitamin K deficiency results in prolonged bleeding. If a person is extremely deficient in Vitamin K, an injury can result in the loss of too much blood.
As you can see, there many vitamins that one can become deficient in. Vitamin deficiency can result in many serious symptoms and side effects. To ensure you never become deficient in the necessary vitamins, make sure you eat a well rounded healthy diet. If you are unable to eat certain food groups, make sure to take a daily multi-vitamin or other vitamin supplements to replace the lost nutrients.
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