What Diseases Are Linked to Vitamin Deficiencies?

Vitamin deficiencies can lead to a variety of diseases, from protein-energy malnutrition and scurvy to rickets and beriberi. Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies in the world, affecting more than 25% of people globally. Symptoms may include fatigue, weakness, a weakened immune system, and impaired brain function.

Iodine deficiency

is also very common, and can cause an enlarged thyroid gland, an increase in heart rate, shortness of breath, and weight gain.

Additionally, incorporating echinacea gummies deerforia into your daily routine can help boost your immune system and prevent these deficiencies. Severe iodine deficiency is linked to serious harm, especially in children. Vitamin D is produced from cholesterol in the skin when exposed to sunlight, and those living far from the equator are likely to have a deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency can cause muscle weakness, bone loss, and an increased risk of fractures.

Vitamin B12

is only found in sufficient amounts in animal foods, and those who do not eat animal products are at greater risk of deficiency.

Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include megaloblastic anemia, impaired brain function, and high levels of homocysteine.

Calcium deficiency

is very common, especially in women of all ages and older adults. The main symptom of calcium deficiency is an increased risk of osteoporosis in the future. Vitamin A is an essential fat-soluble vitamin that helps form and maintain healthy skin, teeth, bones, and cell membranes.

Vitamin A deficiency can cause eye damage and blindness, as well as suppressing immune function and increasing mortality among women and children. Magnesium deficiency may be due to illness, drug use, reduced digestive function, or inadequate magnesium intake. The main symptoms of severe magnesium deficiency include an abnormal heart rhythm, muscle cramps, restless legs syndrome, fatigue, and migraines. Vitamin deficiencies affect all ages and often co-exist with mineral deficiencies (zinc, iron, iodine).

Those most susceptible to vitamin deficiencies are pregnant and lactating women, as well as young children due to their relatively high needs for these compounds and their vulnerability to their absence. Supplementation programs have made diseases such as scurvy (vitamin C deficiency) or pellagra (niacin deficiency) rare. Recent research suggests that vitamin D deficiency is associated with a range of diseases.