Vitamin deficiency

Vitamin deficiency is a condition of inadequate intake or improper absorption of vitamins by the body. Vitamins are essential nutrients that the body requires in small amounts for various roles in the body. Vitamin deficiency can lead to various health problems.

Knuckle pad hyperpigmentation in 29 yo female with B12 deficiency

Causes

Vitamin deficiency can be caused by:

• Inadequate intake of vitamins in the diet
• Malabsorption disorders that prevent absorption of vitamins
• Certain health conditions that interfere with the utilization of vitamins

Symptoms

The symptoms of vitamin deficiency depend on which vitamin the body is lacking. Some common symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness
• Pale or yellowish skin
• Irregular heartbeats
• Weight loss
• Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet
• Muscle weakness
• Personality changes
• Unsteady movements
• Mental confusion or forgetfulness

Types of Vitamin Deficiency

There are several types of vitamin deficiency, including:

• Vitamin A deficiency
• Vitamin B deficiency
• Vitamin C deficiency
• Vitamin D deficiency
• Vitamin E deficiency
• Vitamin K deficiency

Treatment

Treatment for vitamin deficiency involves replacing the missing vitamins. This can be done through changes in diet, vitamin supplements, or in severe cases, injections of the missing vitamin.

Prevention

Vitamin deficiency can be prevented by eating a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods from all food groups.

See also

• Malnutrition
• Vitamin
• Dietary supplement

Vitamin deficiency Resources
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