Signs of Nutritional Deficiencies

Nutritional deficiencies can manifest in various ways depending on which nutrients are lacking. Here are some common signs associated with specific deficiencies:

1. Macronutrient Deficiencies

• Protein Deficiency: Muscle wasting, swelling (edema), weak immune function, slow wound healing, brittle hair and nails.

• Carbohydrate Deficiency: Fatigue, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, ketosis (if extremely low intake).

• Fat Deficiency: Dry, scaly skin, hair loss, hormone imbalances, impaired brain function.

2. Micronutrient Deficiencies

Vitamins

• Vitamin A Deficiency: Night blindness, dry eyes (xerophthalmia), dry skin, increased infections.

• Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) Deficiency: Fatigue, irritability, nerve damage, muscle weakness, Beriberi.

• Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) Deficiency: Cracks at the corners of the mouth, inflamed tongue, skin disorders, light sensitivity.

• Vitamin B3 (Niacin) Deficiency: Pellagra (dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia), rough skin, mouth sores.

• Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid) Deficiency: Fatigue, irritability, numbness in hands and feet.

• Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) Deficiency: Depression, confusion, irritability, anemia, cracked lips.

• Vitamin B7 (Biotin) Deficiency: Hair loss, brittle nails, skin rashes.

• Vitamin B9 (Folate) Deficiency: Fatigue, anemia, birth defects (in pregnancy).

• Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Anemia, memory loss, numbness/tingling in hands and feet, balance issues.

• Vitamin C Deficiency: Bleeding gums, slow wound healing, frequent infections, scurvy.

• Vitamin D Deficiency: Weak bones, muscle pain, fatigue, increased risk of fractures.

• Vitamin E Deficiency: Nerve and muscle damage, vision problems, weakened immune system.

• Vitamin K Deficiency: Easy bruising, excessive bleeding, slow blood clotting.

Minerals

• Iron Deficiency: Fatigue, pale skin, dizziness, shortness of breath, brittle nails (anemia).

• Calcium Deficiency: Weak bones, muscle cramps, osteoporosis, numbness and tingling.

• Magnesium Deficiency: Muscle cramps, fatigue, irregular heartbeat, weakness, anxiety.

• Zinc Deficiency: Hair loss, delayed wound healing, frequent infections, loss of taste/smell.

• Iodine Deficiency: Goiter (swollen thyroid), weight gain, fatigue, developmental issues in children.

• Selenium Deficiency: Weak immune system, hair loss, muscle weakness, heart problems.

• Potassium Deficiency: Muscle weakness, irregular heartbeat, fatigue, cramps.