Listening to Your Body: 6 Telltale Signs of a Nutrient Deficiency

Updated on August 7, 2020

Everyone needs to consume a balance of essential nutrients for optimal development, growth, and function. A lack of critical nutrients can lead to a variety of conditions, and there are dozens of telltale symptoms that signal the presence of these problems. Some of the most common indicators are hair loss, bone pain, abnormal heart rhythm, weakness, loss of appetite, and slow-healing wounds.

1) Poor Diets Lead to Iron Deficiency

Iron deficiency is often linked to poor diets and may cause severe hair loss. Patients who are always cold, get dizzy, and have headaches may also suffer from an iron deficiency. A doctor needs to run tests to diagnose the problem and recommend the best treatment.

In addition to medications, caregivers treating iron deficiencies generally recommend dietary changes and supplements. Fortunately, it is easy to find quality supplements online, and many buyers get details from Revive MD when deciding on the best products for their needs.

2) Bone Health Is Linked to Insufficient Vitamin D

Vitamin D keeps bones healthy and is found in a variety of foods. A diet rich in fortified milk, yogurt, tuna, and salmon typically provides enough of the nutrient. It is known as the “sunshine vitamin” because merely spending enough time in the sun provides an ample supply.

According to Everyday Health, a Vitamin D deficiency could lead to bone pain, weakness, and muscle aches. In extreme cases, a lack of the vitamin causes bones to soften. Eating calcium-rich foods like broccoli, sardines, and salmon helps, as does a 1,000 mg daily supplement.

3) Limited Calcium Could Lead to Irregular Heart Rhythm

Per the Journal of the American Heart Association, studies have demonstrated a link between heart issues and a lack of critical micronutrients. For example, a diet severely lacking in calcium could result in arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat. It could even cause chest pains. Inadequate calcium has also been linked to twitches in the face and mouth area, fractures, and muscle cramps.

4) Cognitive Impairment May Signal a Lack of Vitamin B12

The body needs Vitamin B12 to create the hemoglobin that supplies cells with oxygen. It is also the vitamin that keeps several critical systems healthy, and a lack of it can cause mild cognitive impairment as well as a burning sensation in the tongue or feet. A blood test will show whether complaints are due to a B12 insufficiency. Fortunately, supplements can correct the problem.

5) Magnesium Insufficiency Causes a Range of Problems

Low magnesium levels may affect the function of nerves, memory, and the digestive system. The mineral plays a critical part in body functions that include energy production, nerve function, and DNA replication. Most people get enough magnesium in their diets, but if they do not, doctors can recommend supplements that correct the problem.

6) Inadequate Vitamin C Makes it Hard to Heal

Vitamin C acts like cement that helps to pull cells together and heal wounds. Anyone whose injuries take a long time to heal may not be getting enough of the vitamin. Bleeding gums and the tendency to bruise easily are other indicators. Taking a supplement and eating citrus fruits can help correct the problem. Doctors also recommend that smokers quit since smoking makes it harder for the body to process Vitamin C. 

A healthy diet rich in nutrients is essential for good health, but many busy people eat on the run and do not get the nutrients they need. The result can be problems ranging from irregular heartbeats to weakness and hair loss. Fortunately, most of these problems can be solved by changing to a diet rich in the missing nutrients and by taking supplements.

The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.