The Most Common Nutritional Deficiencies

A nutritional deficiency is an inadequate supply of essential and supporting nutrients. General health issues like fatigue or headaches can indicate a nutritional imbalance and other symptoms. 

Nutrient deficiency symptoms can occur depending on which vitamins, minerals, or trace elements are missing.

A nutrient imbalance can leave you feeling sleepy, confused, or moody. At Balance Hormone Center, our skilled team uses a holistic approach to identify symptoms and develop an effective treatment plan.

Symptoms of nutritional deficiency vary depending on what’s missing. Nonspecific signs include:

• Pale skin
• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Concentration problems
• Nervousness
• Skin, hair, and nail problems
• Cracked corners of mouth and lips
• Bleeding gums

These symptoms may serve as early warning signs and may not be directly related to a nutritional deficiency or cause for concern. We evaluate and diagnose your symptoms to determine what you’re lacking.

Iron deficiency

Iron deficiency often affects young children and pregnant women. The World Health Organization estimates that 42% of children under 5 and 40% of pregnant women worldwide don’t get enough iron. 

Symptoms of iron deficiency include: 

• Fatigue
• Pale skin
• Headache
• Brittle nails
• Dry skin
• Cracked corners of the mouth

You can correct an iron deficiency with dietary changes. Most meat products, plant foods, legumes, and dried fruits have high iron content. You can also ask us about iron supplements to avoid becoming anemic.

Magnesium deficiency

The human body doesn’t produce magnesium itself, which is why it’s one of the most common nutritional deficiencies. 

An unbalanced diet or incomplete absorption of magnesium in the intestine can lead to a magnesium deficiency. Pregnant women and athletes have a significant increase in the need for magnesium. 

Symptoms of magnesium deficiency include:

• Muscle spasms and twitches
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Cardiac arrhythmias
• Nausea
• Abnormal sensations such as tingling or numbness

A healthy and varied diet is the best way to prevent magnesium deficiency. Foods such as bananas, avocados, chocolate, nuts, seeds, and spinach contain substantial amounts of magnesium. 

If there’s an increased need, we might recommend magnesium supplements to provide your body with sufficient magnesium. 

Iodine deficiency

Iodine deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies affecting thyroid function and thyroid hormone production. Thyroid hormones influence growth, brain development, and bone health, and they control your metabolism.

Symptoms of iodine deficiency include:

• Fatigue
• Concentration problems
• Appetite loss
• Cold sensitivity
• Pale and dry skin

Add some cod or haddock to your diet, both of which have a high iodine content. Vegetarians and vegans can ensure adequate iodine intake by using iodized table salt and seaweed. You can also find small amounts of iodine in mushrooms, broccoli, spinach, and pumpkin seeds.

Vitamin B12 deficiency

Your DNA, blood cells, and neurons depend on vitamin B12. A deficiency in B12 has been linked to dementia and heart and blood vessel disease. On the positive side, B12 can boost your athletic performance.

Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include:

• Fatigue
• Pale skin
• Concentration problems
• Forgetfulness

You can meet your vitamin B12 needs with animal foods such as meat, fish, eggs, milk, and dairy products. Vegans and some vegetarians may want to consider IV therapy or B12 supplements.

Many people can counteract a nutrient deficiency with a healthy and balanced diet, even without dietary supplements. In some instances, such as pregnancy or chronic illnesses, you may need some help. 

Contact our team at Balance Hormone Center in Norman, Oklahoma, to make an appointment today. A customized nutritional therapy plan can help you defeat hormone imbalance and relieve uncomfortable symptoms.