5 Most Common Nutrient Deficiencies

Different skin conditions show the Most Common Nutrient Deficiencies. Skin conditions like pale skin, dry skin, and brittle nails could be symptoms of nutrient deficiencies. Unhealthy skin conditions are a result of poor dietary patterns. Take a diet full of nutrients and replace the junk food our body does not need. Lack of nutrients causes Most Common Nutrient Deficiencies in our body and also causes serious diseases.

The human body requires nutrients for optimal functioning. Most people are facing a lot of problems due to a lack of nutrients. In this article, we discuss the Most Common Nutrient Deficiencies and the best ways to treat and prevent them. 

What is a Nutrient Deficiency?

The human body requires different minerals and vitamins for proper functioning and disease prevention. These vitamins and minerals are collectively called micronutrients. In our body, the Most Common Nutrient Deficiencies occur when the body does not receive or can’t absorb specific nutrients in required quantities. When this deficiency is prolonged, it leads to malnutrition. 

Most Common Nutrient Deficiencies

Here we explain the Most Common Nutrient Deficiencies and prevent them. These deficiencies cause serious diseases. 

Iron Deficiency

Iron is a main component of blood. When the human body does not have enough iron to make hemoglobin, it leads to iron deficiency which is called anemia. Hemoglobin helps in the transport of oxygen in the body. According to the World Health Organization, the Global rate of anemia is 39.8% in children aged 6 to 59 months.

Due to iron deficiency women are more affected by anemia. The global anemia rates of pregnant and non-pregnant women are 36.5% and 29.6% respectively. Blood loss is a major cause of iron deficiency in women. They are at high risk as they lose blood during their menstruation. Lack of iron in diet leads to upsetting the menstrual cycle in females. 

You may have iron deficiency if you are facing the following symptoms.

• Brittle nails
• Fatigue
• Chest pain
• Pale skin
• Tongue inflammation
• Unusual cravings
• Cold feet and hands
• Headache

How to prevent iron deficiency?

The best mode of treatment is taking iron supplements. Another method is to include foods rich in iron in your daily diet. Severe cases of iron deficiency include intravenous iron or red blood cell transfusion. Meat and seafood are the richest source of iron. Heme iron is found in meat, seafood, and poultry. It is more easily absorbed in the body. Sources of iron include nuts, beans, vegetables, and fruits. 

Including iron in your diet is so simple. You can add spinach to your breakfast. If you are a meat lover you can combine 1 pound of meat with steamed vegetables. One serving of cereal contains 18 milligrams of iron. Half a cup of spinach contains 3 milligrams of iron. By adding these things to your diet you can easily prevent yourself from Most Common Nutrient Deficiencies. 

Iodine Deficiency

Iodine deficiency occurs when the human body is not consuming enough iodine in its daily diet. Women are more affected by hypothyroidism than men. Some individuals likely develop these conditions for those who had thyroid issues before.  Pregnant and non-pregnant women also have iodine deficiency.

You may have iodine deficiency if you are facing the following symptoms.

• Goiter
• Fatigue
• Constipation
• Puffy face and eyes
• Dry skin
• Muscle weakness
• Depression
• Weight gain
• Increases sensitivity to cold
• Irregular menstrual cycle

How to prevent iodine deficiency?

The best way to prevent Most Common Nutrient Deficiencies is to consume foods high in minerals and vitamins. Iodine supplements are available in the market. Any kind of supplements you can take once you consult with your doctor or healthcare provider. 

Iodine sources include seaweed, plain yogurt, and meat. Brazil nuts are also rich in iodine. You can prevent iodine deficiency by adding these foods to your diet. 

Vitamin A Deficiency 

Lack of adequate dietary intake is the main reason for vitamin A deficiency. Where rice is a staple food you can also experience symptoms given that rice is devoid of beta-carotene. Pregnant women and children are at high risk of vitamin A deficiency. 

You may have vitamin A deficiency if you experience the following changes in your body.

• Scaly and dry skin
• Inflamed eyes
• Night blindness
• Dry eyes
• Hazy cornea

How to prevent vitamin A deficiency?

Oral vitamins could be a way to treat the deficiency if the symptoms are severe or malabsorption is the cause. Beta-carotene supplements may also be included. Vision loss is caused by scarring and cannot be reversed by supplementation. It is better to avoid such a  vitamin deficiency by adding adequate vitamins to your daily diet. Sweet potato and beef liver are rich in vitamin A. You can include beef liver and sweet potato in your diet to overcome the deficiency of vitamin A. 

Zinc Deficiency

Drinking alcohol is one of the major causes of zinc deficiency. Other chronic diseases include diabetes, kidney disease, liver disorders, and sickle cell disorders. Individuals who are addicted to alcohol, individuals with gastrointestinal issues, and pregnant or lactating mothers are at high risk. Zinc and different minerals deficiency is one of the most Common Nutrient Deficiencies. 

You may have zinc deficiency if you feel the following symptoms.

• Hair loss 
• Diarrhea
• Slow wound healing
• Weakened immune system
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss

How to treat zinc deficiency?

Intake of foods rich in zinc works wonderfully. Treatment of zinc is also involved by taking zinc supplements. Oysters are rich in zinc. 3 ounces of fried or cooked oyster contains 74 milligrams of zinc. You add oysters to your soups or pasta dishes. Animal products like meat and shellfish contain high amounts of zinc that can be absorbed easily by the body.  

Magnesium Deficiency

The main reason for magnesium deficiency is dietary inadequacy. Prolonged diarrhea and excess intake of alcohol also cause magnesium deficiency. People at high risk of zinc deficiency include those who are addicted to alcohol, individuals with gastrointestinal issues, diabetes, and adults. 

You may have magnesium deficiency if you experience the following changes in your body. 

• Fatigue
• Seizures
• Abnormal heart rhythms
• Muscles cramps
• Weakness
• Loss of appetite
• Vomiting
• Nausea

How to treat magnesium deficiency?

Taking magnesium by mouth is a common form of treatment. Magnesium deficiency also leads to calcium and potassium deficiencies. Including foods high in magnesium in your diet is the best way to treat this deficiency. Nuts are rich in magnesium. You can add almonds, cashew nuts, peanuts, chia seeds, melon seeds, and pistachios to your diet. 

Final Words

Nutrients are essential for health and the appropriate functioning of the body. Nutrients such as vitamins and minerals are obtained from daily diet. They are necessary for tissue formation and regulating chemical processes in the body. The Most Common Nutrient Deficiencies like iron, iodine, vitamin A, zinc, and magnesium lead to serious disorders in the body. To overcome these deficiencies first meet with your doctor and also take a diet rich in nutrients.