Vitamin Deficiency Symptoms Should Not Be Ignored

The following brief overview of vitamin deficiency symptoms is intended to acquaint you with the consequences of a deficiency. If you suffer from any of these symptoms, don't ignore them any longer. If you catch a problem early, it is so much easier to treat. Catching a health problem in the early stages can be the difference between full recovery and a lifelong lingering health issue.

Just because you have any of the symptoms listed, does not necessarily mean you have the corresponding vitamin deficiency. There may be another cause of the symptom. Talk with your health care practitioner.

Vitamin A deficiency. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble nutrient. It is an antioxidant and therefore good for fighting infections.

Vitamin Deficiency Symptoms:

• Night vision blindness leading to further eye problems

• Bladder infection

• Middle ear infection

• Reduction of saliva leading to tooth decay

• Respiratory problems: colds, bronchitis, and pneumonia

Vitamin B-complex deficiency. The B-complex vitamins work together as a group. In most cases if there is a deficiency in one of the B vitamins, there will also be a deficiency in one of the other of the B vitamins. The deficiency and possible interactions will be listed separately for each of the B vitamins.

Vitamin B1 deficiency. This vitamin is also known as thiamine and its deficiency was first associated with beriberi. A shortage of thiamine in your body results in symptoms related to your nervous system.

Vitamin Deficiency Symptoms:

• Irritability

• Insomnia

• Loss of appetite

• Constipation

• Craving for sweets

• Slow pulse

• Feeling of nausea

• Lack of muscular coordination

Vitamin B2 deficiency. Vitamin B2 is also called riboflavin and it is important for the health of your skin, eyes, and hair.

Deficiency Symptoms:

• Conjunctivitis (inflammation of the membrane of the eye and eyelid)

• Redness or soreness of the lips

• Vision dimness in low light or at a distance

• Bloodshot eyes

• Lack of appetite

• Stomach cramps

• Loss of weight or inability to gain weight

• Muscular weakness

• Purple tongue

• Sensitivity to strong light

Vitamin B3 deficiency. This vitamin is also called niacin.

Deficiency Symptoms:

• Depression

• Canker sores

• Diarrhea

• Halitosis (severe bad breath)

• Low blood sugar

• Insomnia

Vitamin B5 deficiency. B5 is also known as pantothenic acid. It is necessary for the healthy functioning of the entire digestive system.

Deficiency Symptoms:

• Grey hair

• Constipation

• Rough skin

• Mental depression

• Inability to conceive a child

Vitamin B6 deficiency. This vitamin is also known as pyridoxine. Your body needs magnesium to process B6 so even if you have enough B6, if there is a deficiency of magnesium, you will also have a B6 deficiency.

Deficiency Symptoms:

• Fatigue

• Irritability

• Nervousness

• Insomnia

• Shuffling walk

• Loss of hair

• Hemorrhoids

Vitamin B7 deficiency. This vitamin is commonly called biotin and is a powerful cellular stimulant.

Deficiency Symptoms:

• Muscular pain

• Nausea

• Insomnia

• Hair Loss

• Anemia

• Mental depression

Vitamin B9 deficiency. This vitamin is most commonly known as folate. Folate works with vitamins B6 and B12.

Deficiency Symptoms:

• Sore and red tongue

• Anemia (fatigue)

• Apathy

• Graying hair

• Insomnia

• Digestive troubles

• Birth defects

Vitamin B12 deficiency. Vegans and possibly vegetarians are most likely to be deficient in B12 because it's mainly available from animal sources such as meats and dairy products.

Deficiency Symptoms:

• Difficulty maintaining balance

• Degeneration of the spinal cord

• Bone loss

• Headaches (including migraines)

• Ringing in the ears

• Shortness of breath

• Memory loss

• Pernicious anemia

Vitamin C deficiency. Deficiency of vitamin C may result in scurvy.

Deficiency Symptoms:

• Bleeding gums

• Tendency to bruise easily

• Loosening of the teeth

Vitamin D deficiency. A few minutes of sunlight on bare arms and face every day will allow most people to produce what they need. Very little of this vitamin is gotten from the diet. It is estimated that 40% percent of Americans are deficient in vitamin D. You're most likely to be deficient if you have an indoor job and if you wear sunscreen while you’re outside.

Deficiency Symptoms:

• Rickets in children

• Insomnia

• Low grade fever at night

• Loss of appetite

• Burning sensation in mouth and throat

• Dry skin

Vitamin E deficiency. This vitamin is an oil-soluble antioxidant. Your body requires zinc in order to maintain a proper level of vitamin E in your blood system.

Vitamin Deficiency Symptoms:

• Infertility and other reproductive system issues

• Headaches and fatigue.

• Slow deterioration of the nervous system

Vitamin K deficiency. Vitamin K is necessary for blood clotting.

Vitamin Deficiency Symptoms:

• Excessive loss of blood from small cuts

• Jaundice

• Loss of appetite

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