Posted on 18 January 2010.
We fall apart without vitamins! Check these vitamin deficiency symptoms and correct your diet!
Also see this article about the importance of a Multi-vitamin.
Vitamin A:
Found in fish and liver, green and yellow fruits and vegetables, Apricots, asparagus, beets, broccoli, butter, cantaloupe, carrots, cheese, garlic, green olives, milk products, mustard (fresh), papaya, parsley, peaches, prunes, red peppers, sweet potatoes, spinach, sweet potatoes, pumpkin and watercress.
Vitamin A Deficiency Affected Areas:
Bones, eyes, hair, immune system, skin, soft tissues and teeth.
Vitamin A Deficiency Symptoms:
Acne, allergies, loss of appetite, blindness, colds, dry hair, eye sties, fatigue, insomnia, impaired growth, itching and burning eyes, loss of smell, night blindness, dry skin, sinus trouble, steroid synthesis reduction; Decreased immune system function, cancer susceptibility. (Vitamin A is essential for bones and teeth and protects against cold and flu.)
Vitamin B Complex (b1,b2,b3,b4,b5 etc.):
Found in dairy products, meat, nuts and vegetables high in protein, broccoli, beans, brown rice, cabbage, cauliflower, cheese, eggs, fish, meat, milk, poultry, pork, oatmeal, raisins, spinach, asparagus, nuts, peanut butter, brussel sprouts, whole grains, and yogurt.
Vitamin B complex Deficiency Affected Areas:
Body cells, eyes, gastrointestinal tract, hair, liver, mouth, nervous system, skin.
Vitamin B complex Deficiency Symptoms:
Acne, anemia, appetite loss, bad breath, cholesterol (high), circulation (poor), constipation, dark tongue color, depression, digestive disturbances, fatigue, dry hair or hair falling out, hypertension, insomnia, tender/painful leg muscles, nervousness, dry or rough skin. Problems muscle tone in the gastrointestinal tract, and liver. Depression and anxiety. Anemia, contributes to electrolyte imbalances. Memory loss, nervous system disorders, and immune system problems (low platelet count).
Vitamin B12:
Found in beef, blue cheese, cheese, clams, crab, fish, eggs, herring, kidney, liver, mackerel, milk and milk products, pork, seafood and tofu. It is not found in vegetables – only in animal sources.
(all vitamin B supplements should be taken together).
Vitamin B12 Deficiency Affected Areas:
liver, nerves, red blood cells, gastrointestinal tract.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency Symptoms:
appetite loss, diminished reflex responses, fatigue, irritability, memory impairment, mental depression and confusion, nervousness, pernicious anemia, unpleasant body odor, walking and speaking difficulties, weakness in arms and legs. A can cause problems with digestion, absorption of food, metabolism of carbohydrates and fats, nerves, fertility, growth and development. There can also be hallucinations, memory loss, eye disorders, and anemia. A vitamin B12 can indicate there is a problem with absorption (common in people with digestive disorders).
Vitamin C:
Found in green vegetables, berries and citrus fruits, asparagus, broccoli, beef liver, brussel sprouts, cantaloupe, cauliflower, citrus fruits (like grapefruit and oranges), lemons, mangos, sweet peppers, pineapple, radishes, spinach, strawberries, and tomatoes — just about all fresh fruits and vegetables.
Vitamin C Deficiency Affected Areas:
Adrenal glands, blood, bones, capillary walls, cells, connective tissue (skin/ ligaments/ bones/ gums), heart, mucous membranes, nervous system and teeth.
Vitamin C Deficiency Symptoms:
Anemia, bleeding gums, breath shortness, capillary wall ruptures (bruise easily), dental cavities, low infection resistance (colds), muscle degeneration, nosebleeds, poor digestion, stress, weakened cartilages, blood clots, and slow healing wounds.
Vitamin D:
Found in fish and dairy products fortified with vitamin D. Also: Eggs, butter, milk, oatmeal, salmon, sardines, sweet potatoes, and tuna. And, vitamin D can be converted from the action of sunlight on the skin!
Vitamin D Deficiency Affected Areas:
Bones, heart, kidneys, nervous system, skin, teeth and thyroid gland.
Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms:
Brittle and fragile bones, burning in mouth and throat, diarrhea, insomnia, irregular heartbeat, low blood calcium, myopia, nervousness, pale skin, poor metabolism, rickets, sensitivity to pain, soft bones and teeth, Osteoporosis and Osteopenia, and hypocalcemia. Vitamin D also enhances the immune system.
Vitamin E:
Found in vegetable oils, whole grains, vegetables (dark leafy green), nuts and seeds, spinach, almonds, herring, kale, peanuts, brown rice, cornmeal, eggs, milk, oatmeal, organ meats, sweet potatoes, soy beans, unrefined cereal, and wheat germ.
Vitamin E Deficiency Affected Areas:
Arteries, blood vessels, heart, lungs, nerves, pituitary glands and skin.
Vitamin E Deficiency Symptoms:
Enlarged prostate gland, gastrointestinal disease, dry or falling out hair, impotency, miscarriages, muscular wasting, muscle weakness, sterility. Decreased circulation, slow tissue healing, leg cramps. Vitamin E helps prevent cancer, cardiovascular disease, cataracts and reduces scarring from some wounds. Zinc and Vitamin E work together.
Vitamin K:
Found in alfalfa, broccoli, dark green leafy vegetables and soybeans. Also: brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, egg yolks, liver, oatmeal, rye, and wheat.
Vitamin K Deficiency Affected Areas:
Blood, bones, metabolism and liver function.
Vitamin K Deficiency Symptoms:
Brittle or fragile bones, low platelet count in blood and poor blood clotting, high glucose in blood. Vitamin K plays an essential role in blood clotting and bone formation. Can help to prevent osteoporosis. Vitamin K also converts glucose into glycogen for storage in the liver.
Folic Acid:
Found in beans, beef, bran, barley, brown rice, cheese, chicken, dates, green leafy vegetables, lamb, lentils, liver, milk, oranges, organ meats (like liver), split peas, pork, root vegetables (like carrots), salmon, tuna, whole grains, whole wheat and yeast.
Vitamin Folic Acid Deficiency Affected Areas:
Metabolism, red blood cells, overall growth and development, and nerves.
Vitamin Folic Acid Deficiency Symptoms:
Sore tongue, B12 , depression or anxiety, and fatigue. Folid Acid is needed for energy production, protein metabolism, the formation of red blood cells and it vital for normal growth and development. A of Folic Acid may contribute to depression and anxiety, a B12 , and birth defects in pregnant women.
Mineral Deficiency
Calcium:
Found in dairy foods, seafood and green leafy vegetables, sea vegetables (arame, dulse, hijki, keMineral lp, wakame), molasses, nuts, almonds, asparagus, broccoli, buttermilk, cabbage, carob, cheese, shell fish, kale, oats, parsley, prunes, whey, tofu and yogurt.
Mineral Calcium Deficiency Affected Areas:
Blood, bones, circulatory/ digestive/enzymatic/ immune and nervous systems, heart, muscles, skin, soft tissues and teeth.
Mineral Calcium Deficiency Symptoms:
Arm and leg numbness, brittle fingernails, eczema, fragile bones, headaches, heart palpitations, hypertension, insomnia, irritability, muscle cramps, nervousness, osteomalacia, osteoporosis, osteopenia, periodontal disease, rickets, tooth decay; Irregular heartbeat and slowed nerve impulse response, decreased muscle growth, aching joints, and arthritis. Calcium is an essential mineral for overall health. Vitamin D is essential for proper calcium absorption and utilization.
Chromium (GTF):
Found in apples, black pepper, calves liver, cheese, meat and whole grains, grapes, cheese, chicken, corn and corn oil, dairy products, mushrooms, potatoes, beer, oysters, brown rice and dried beans.
Mineral Chromium Deficiency Affected Areas:
Adrenal glands, brain, blood, circulatory system, heart, immune system, liver and white blood cells.
Mineral Chromium Deficiency Symptoms:
Disturbed amino acid metabolism, increased serum cholesterol, impaired glucose tolerance, lack of energy, myopia, protein/calorie malnutrition, susceptibility to infection; Lowered or escalated blood sugar levels, coronary artery disease. It is essential to the metabolism of glucose and is needed for energy and the synthesis of cholesterol, fats and protein.
Copper:
Found in almonds, avocado, beans, barley, cauliflower, nuts, lamb chops, oranges, organ meats, peanuts, pecans, raisins, salmon and seafood (especially oysters), legumes, green leafy vegetables, radishes and soybeans.
Mineral Copper Deficiency Affected Areas:
Blood, bones, circulatory system, hair, and skin.
Mineral Copper Deficiency Symptoms:
Depression, elevated serum cholesterol, fractures and bone deformities, general weakness, impaired respiration, skin sores. Osteoporosis, slowed healing procsss, poor hair and skin coloring and loss in taste sensitivity. Copper works in balance with zinc and vitamin c to form elastin and aids in the formation of bones and red blood cells.
Iodine:
Found in iodized salts, seafood and kelp, asparagus, fish, garlic, lima beans, mushrooms, sesame seeds, soybeans, spinach (cooked), turnip greens.
Mineral Iodine Deficiency Affected Areas:
Immune system, thyroid, brain.
Mineral Iodine Deficiency Symptoms:
Decreased chances of breast cancer, slowed mental and physical development. Thyroid dysfunction. Iodine is needed for a healthy thyroid. Mental retardation may result from an iodine in children. It is only needed in trace amounts.
Iron:
Found in eggs, clams, fish, liver, meat, poultry, dark green leafy vegetables, enriched breads and cereals, brewer’s yeast, dates, dulse, egg yolks, kidney and lima beanss, lentils, millet, parsley, peaches, pears, dried prunes, pumpkins, raisins, rice and wheat bran, sesame seeds and soybeans.
Mineral Iron Deficiency Affected Areas:
Blood, bones, metabolic system, muscles, nails, skin and teeth.
Mineral Iron Deficiency Symptoms:
Breathing difficulties, brittle nails, dry or falling-out hair, dizziness, iron anemia (pale skin, fatigue), constipation, sore or inflamed tongue. Iron is vital for it’s production of hemoglobin and oxygenation of red blood cells. Needed for healthy growth and the resistance of disease, and for a healthy immune system and energy.
Magnesium:
Found in most foods, especially dairy products, fish, meat and seafood. Also: apples, apricots, bananas, brown rice, figs, garlic, lima beans, peaches, salmon, sesame seeds, tofu, green leafy vegetables, wheat and whole grains.
Mineral Magnesium Deficiency Affected Areas:
Arteries, bones, cells, digestive/ immune/ nervous and reproductive systems, heart, nerves, and teeth.
Mineral Magnesium Deficiency Symptoms:
Aching muscles, anxiety, broken nails, confusion, decreased blood pressure and body temperature, disorientation, easily aroused anger, hair loss, hyperactivity, insomnia, muscle tremors, nervousness, noise sensitivity, rapid pulse and sound sensitivity. interferes with the transmission of nerve and muscle impulses, causes depression and dizziness, muscle weakness, twitching, heart disease and blood pressure problems, and disruption in proper pH balance. Magnesium plays an important role in the formation of bone, carbohydrate and mineral metabolism. It is vital to enzyme activity and assists in calcium and potassium uptake.
Phosphorus:
Found in most foods, especially asparagus, bran, corn, dairy products, eggs, fish, dried fruit, garlic, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, meats, poultry, salmon, soda, wheat bran and whole grains.
Mineral Phosphorus Deficiency Affected Areas:
Bones, brain cells, circulatory and digestive systems, eyes, liver, muscles, nerves and teeth.
Mineral Phosphorus Deficiency Symptoms:
Appetite loss, bone pain, fatigue, irregular breathing, nervous disorders; Bone and tooth problems, heart and kidney problems. Phosphorus is essential for helping the body to utilize vitamins and to convert food to energy. A balance of magnesium, calcium and phosphorus should always be maintained in the body for proper health. Diets high in junk food, including soda and diet soda, can contribute to too much phosphorus which can inhibit calcium uptake.
Potassium:
Food sources for Potassium include dairy foods, fish, fruit, meat, poultry and vegetables, whole grains, apricots, avocado, bananas, brown rice, cantaloupe, carrot juice, dates, figs, dried fruit, garlic, lima beans, nuts, peaches, potatoes, raisins, wheat bran and yams
Mineral Potassium Deficiency Affected Areas:
Blood, endocrine/ digestive and nervous systems, heart, kidneys, muscles and skin.
Mineral Potassium Deficiency Symptoms:
Acne, constipation, continuous thirst, decreased blood pressure, dry skin, edema, increased cholesterol, insomnia, muscle and general weakness, nervousness, respiratory distress, salt retention, skin and hair problems, irregular heartbeat, weak reflexes; interferes with the transmission of nerve and muscle impulses, heart palpatations and arrhythmias, heart attack, stroke. Potassium is important for chemical reactions within the cells and aids in maintaining stable blood pressure and in transmitting electrochemical impulses. It also regulates the transfer of nutrients to the cells. Use of diuretics, laxatives, vomitting and diarrhea can significantly contribute to the body’s need for potassium.
Sodium:
Tons of foods contain sodium. Celery, cheese, eggs, meat, milk and milk products, miso, poultry, processed foods, salt, seafood and sea vegetables.
Mineral Sodium Deficiency Affected Areas:
Blood, lymphatic system, muscles and nerves.
Mineral Sodium Deficiency Symptoms:
Appetite loss, cramps, decreased resistance to infection, eye disturbances, fatigue, intestinal gas, muscle shrinkage, vomiting, weakness; Confusion, low blood sugar, dehydration, lethargy, heart palpatations and heart attack. Sodium is necessary for maintaining the proper water balance and blood pH. It is also needed for stomach, nerve and muscle function.
Sulfur:
Found in brussel sprouts, dried beans, cabbage, eggs, garlic, fish, meats, and onions.
Mineral Sulfur Deficiency Affected Areas:
Skin, immune system, blood, liver
Mineral Sulfur Deficiency Symptoms:
Dryness of skin, increased risks of infection, poor resistance to bacterial infections. Sulfur is essential to disinfecting the blood and resisting bacteria. It aids in oxidation reactions, stimulates bile secretions in the liver and protects against toxic substances.
Zinc:
Found in fish, meats, poultry, seafood and whole grains, beef liver, egg yolks, lamb chops, lima beans, liver, mushrooms, pecans, pumpkin seeds, sardines, and soybeans, wheat germ and whole grains.
Mineral Zinc Deficiency Affected Areas:
Blood, bones, eyes, heart, joints, liver, and prostate gland.
Mineral Zinc Deficiency Symptoms:
Acne, brittle nails, decreased learning ability, delayed sexual maturity, eczema, fatigue, loss of taste and smell, poor appetite, poor circulation, poor memory, prolonged wound healing, retarded growth, skin problems, splitting hair, sterility, white spots on nails; Problems with prostate gland function, and immune system, liver damage. Zinc intake and absorption is needed to maintain the proper concentrations of vitamin E in the blood. Zinc levels can be decreased by diarrhea, kidney disease, cirrhosis or the liver, diabetes.
