Vitamin deficiency is what occurs when there is an insufficient or poor dietary intake of essential vitamins. Inadequate levels of vitamins may result in an array of miserable conditions and make the body feeble and vulnerable to many diseases.
Types of Vitamin Deficiency
Vitamin deficiency can be classified into two types:
Primary Deficiency
Primary deficiency is when inadequate vitamin intake causes a person to become deficient. It is due to not receiving the necessary levels of vitamin from your diet and this type is basic; it can be easily cured by adopting a special vitamin diet or taking vitamin supplements.
Secondary Deficiency
When a deficiency occurs as a result of a disease or lifestyle factor, this is called secondary deficiency. For example, smokers need to increase their intake of vitamin C by 30-50%. Another example is when someone’s lifestyle causes them to get minimal sun exposure which causes a deficiency in their vitamin D levels. This deficiency can affect the calcium absorption needed for healthy bones.
Common Causes of Vitamin Deficiency
Disorders related to vitamin deficiency are uncommon in developed nations due to an adequate food supply. However, there are other factors that may give rise to these conditions.
- Diets low in fat reduce the absorption of vitamin E.
- Alcohol consumption has an impact on folic acid levels.
- Medications can also cause vitamin deficiencies.
- Certain antibiotics such as isoniazid can cause B6 deficiency.
- Anticonvulsants can decrease absorption of folic acid and drugs such as methotrexate and sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim can interfere with folic acid metabolism.
Vitamin Deficiency Can Lead to Severe Diseases
Primary vitamin deficiency when left untreated, may expand and result in a serious disease. Integrated vitamin deficiency links to various diseases, with the four most common being:
Scurvy
The first disease to be directly linked to a vitamin deficiency was scurvy. Scurvy features general malaise and lethargy, progressing to spotty skin, tooth loss, and bleeding, swollen gums. Slow wound healing and general weakness is also a regular symptom. If left untreated scurvy can be fatal.
In 1753 the Scottish Surgeon, James Lind postulated in his Treatise on the Scurvy that lemons and limes, a key source of vitamin C, may be used to prevent scurvy. His recommendation became fact in 1932. Today, vitamin C corrects the deficiency leading to scurvy globally.
Rickets
Vitamin D deficiency often links to rickets, a disease softening children’s bones, leading to fractures and deformities. This is due to the fact that vitamin D plays a key role in calcium absorption and the building of strong, healthy bones.
Rickets is not a common disease in the U.S. however, poor exposure to vitamin D can always cause it. Children of 6 months to two years of age are more prone to this disease if they are only breastfed by their mothers. Expose such children to UVB rays or include fortified milk in their regular diet, as recommended.
The American Academy of Pediatrics goes further to suggest that breastfed babies should be given vitamin D supplements.
Beriberi
Beriberi is a condition in which a person has a severe deficiency in vitamin B1. It features nerve, heart, and brain abnormalities. An alcohol use disorder can worsen the brain abnormalities in a person with chronic vitamin B1 deficiency.
Beriberi symptoms include numbness and tingling in hands and feet, memory loss, problems with breathing, possible paralysis, problems with speaking, confusion, and depression.
Beriberi needs quick attention and if not treated with an adequate supply of vitamin B1, it can lead to dementia and even death.
Pellagra
Pellagra is a vitamin deficiency disorder in which dark red patches occur on face, neck, hands, calves, and feet. The person who has developed Pellagra is also likely to suffer from constipation, diarrhoea, nausea or vomiting. In this condition, the mouth and tongue get red, swollen and develop sores.
Malnutrition or excessive reliance on specific foods or drinks, like maize or wine, can cause this disease. Among the leading causes, acute deficiency of vitamin B3 or Niacin is the most prominent.
Conclusion
Vitamin deficiency can be both mild and deadly in effect. Incorporating a regular healthy eating regimen is preferable to prevent deficiencies of essential vitamins. Vitamin B-complex and vitamin D are crucial among all key vitamins for human health and well-being. Ensure adequate intake and consider supplements if dietary levels fail to improve despite a carefully planned diet.
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