Deficiency simply means lack. Nutritional deficiency, therefore, means a lack of nutrients. Many reasons and causative factors are leading to a lack of nutrients in the body. Medically and health-wise, it has serious implications for the person suffering from any of the nutrient deficiencies. It’s therefore important to discuss common nutritional deficiencies as they may relate to life.
One of the easiest means of curbing or preventing any deficiency is by taking supplements. This helps those who find it difficult incorporating all their nutritional needs into their meals or when they need more of specific nutrients because of their activities. If you are looking to get supplements for certain nutrients to prevent nutritional deficiencies, then you should read customer reviews about SuperSmart and other companies that sell supplements on AllReviews. You will get to know the supplements that other customers have found to be very effective as well as the best stores to buy them from. You will also get to know the right brands to buy.
Iron deficiency
Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies in the world, affecting more than 25% of people globally. For example, according to research, in preschool children alone, this number rises to 47% and unless they’re fed with iron-rich or iron-fortified meals, these children are very likely to lack iron.
Also, around 30% of menstruating women have iron deficiency due to monthly blood loss. Furthermore, up to 42% of young, pregnant women are iron deficient. Vegetarians and vegans have an increased risk of deficiency due to the type of food they eat.
A common consequence of iron deficiency is anemia, in which the number of your red blood cells and your blood’s ability to carry oxygen drops.
Vitamin D deficiency
Vitamin D is an essential mineral in the body. It’s a fat-soluble vitamin that functions like a steroid hormone in the body. It travels through the bloodstream and into cells turning genes on or off.
Vitamin D is naturally produced from cholesterol in your skin upon exposure to sunlight. However, people who live far from the equator are likely to be deficient except their dietary intake is adequate or they supplement with vitamin D.
Common symptoms are muscle weakness, bone loss and an increased risk of fracture.
Vitamin B12 deficiency
Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is a water-soluble vitamin. It is essential for blood formation and as well as brain and nerve function. Naturally, every cell in your body needs B12 to function, but your body hardly produces it. Therefore, you must source for it through food or supplements. Vitamin B12 can be found in sufficient amounts in animal foods. Therefore, people who do not eat animal products are at an increased risk of vitamin B12 deficiency.
Calcium deficiency
Calcium is essential for every cell in your body. It is a mineral for bone and teeth development especially during times of rapid growth. Calcium helps significantly in bones maintenance throughout a lifetime. In addition, calcium serves as a signalling molecule. Without it, your heart, muscles, and nerves would not be able to function properly.
A common symptom of calcium deficiency is osteoporosis, which is characterized by softer and more fragile bones.
Iodine deficiency
Iodine is an essential mineral for normal thyroid function and the production of thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones are involved in many bodily processes, such as growth, brain development, and bone maintenance. They also regulate metabolic rates in the body.
A common symptom of iodine deficiency is an enlarged thyroid gland, which is also known as a goitre. It may also cause an increase in heart rate, shortness of breath and others.