The body needs a variety of vitamins to carry out its regular functions. A healthy, well-balanced diet can provide the nutrients that you need to stay healthy. However, if your diet lacks vitamins and nutrients, you may develop a vitamin deficiency. 

Around 30% of people in the United States are at risk of developing a vitamin deficiency. Although vitamin deficiencies are relatively common, they can negatively impact your health in several ways, including:

Fatigue

Fatigue is a common symptom of many different vitamin deficiencies, including vitamin D, iron, folate, magnesium, and vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 deficiencies, in particular, can cause extreme fatigue and weakness. This is because vitamin B12 impacts red blood cell production and oxygen delivery to all of the body’s vital systems. Without enough of it, your body won’t be supplied with the oxygen that it needs to function optimally.

Poor Wound Healing

Vitamin C is a key player in immunity, wound healing, and cell damage prevention. As a result, poor wound healing, bleeding gums, and easy bruising are signs of a vitamin C deficiency. A possible ramification of severe vitamin C deficiency is scurvy, which is a condition that impairs the immune system and causes weak bones and muscles.

People who don’t eat enough fruits and vegetables throughout the day are at risk for a vitamin C deficiency. However, if you eat plenty of fresh fruits and veggies, you have a very low risk of developing this deficiency. 

Brittle Hair and Hair Loss

Vitamin deficiencies, namely including biotin (vitamin B7) deficiency, can affect the health of your hair. 

A biotin deficiency can cause your hair to split, thin out, become brittle, and even fall out. It can also lead to brittle nails. This is because biotin boosts the production of keratin, a protein that your hair, nails, and skin are comprised of. Besides biotin, other types of deficiencies that can cause hair loss include zinc, iron, niacin, and the fatty acids linoleic acid and alpha-linolenic acid. 

If you’re experiencing symptoms of a vitamin deficiency, schedule an appointment at The Center for Natural & Integrative Medicine today. Our physicians can order in depth intracellular testing for vitamin, mineral and antioxidant deficiencies. They can then recommend supplements and treatments like IV therapy to restore your health.