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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

There are several types of vitamin deficiency, including:

Treatment[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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

See also[edit | edit source]

Vitamin deficiency Resources
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