Types Of Nutrient Deficiencies

Nutrients are the building blocks of your body. They support health and wellness by providing energy, repairing structures and cells, boosting the immune system, and regulating processes. But there’s more to health than just eating enough calories—a healthy diet includes making sure you get enough nutrients too. The following are Types of Nutrient Deficiencies:

1. IRON DEFICIENCY

Iron is one of the essential micronutrients. Our bodies need iron to transport oxygen in our blood and to break down carbohydrates and protein. Iron deficiency can cause anemia, which describes a lack of red blood cells; symptoms include dizziness and tiredness when exerting yourself, shortness of breath, and numbness or tingling in hands or feet.

2. DEFICIENCY OF B VITAMINS

B vitamins play a vital role in metabolizing carbohydrates, fats, and alcohol into energy for your body. They also help convert food into energy, maintain cell health and function, support the immune system and keep levels of homocysteine under control. Deficiency can lead to anemia, hyperhomocysteinemia, depression and in extreme cases, it can cause nerve damage.

3. MAGNESIUM DEFICIENCY

Magnesium is a mineral that works with calcium to maintain the balance between cells and electrolytes in the body. The deficiency of magnesium is common because our bodies can only absorb about half of what we eat. Symptoms include muscle cramps and twitches, restless leg syndrome, dental issues, osteoporosis and heart disease.

4. CALCIUM DEFICIENCY

Calcium is essential for bone health, muscle contraction and blood coagulation. A deficiency can lead to bone loss and fracture, nerve problems, insomnia, poor eyesight and weak muscles.

5. VITAMIN B12 DEFICIENCY

Vitamin B12 is involved in many metabolic processes including hormone regulation and nutrient storage. A deficiency can lead to anemia (red blood cell count), impaired brain function and problems with memory, mood and nerve function.

6. IODINE DEFICIENCY

Iodine is another nutrient essential for the production of thyroid hormone. Deficiency can lead to fatigue, weight gain, muscle weakness, depression and impaired memory and cognitive function.

7. VITAMIN A DEFICIENCY

Vitamin A is essential for eyesight and skin health. Too little (or not enough beta carotene) can cause hair loss and poor night vision, while too much vitamin A can cause birth defects.

8. PROTEIN DEFICIENCY

While we often think of protein as primarily building material for muscles and tissues, it also serves many other functions in the body including regulation of hormones, neurotransmitters and enzymes.

The best way to combat nutrient deficiency is to include more fruits, vegetables and whole grains in your diet.