How does vitamin deficiency differ from hypovitaminosis?
Vitamin deficiency is an extreme degree: the vitamin is practically absent, and a defined disease with typical symptoms develops. Classic examples are scurvy with a lack of vitamin C, beriberi with a deficiency of B1, pellagra with a deficiency of B3, rickets in children with a deficiency of vitamin D. Such conditions occur with prolonged fasting, severe alcoholism, and an extremely monotonous diet. Hypovitaminosis is a moderate deficiency in which the disease has not yet formed, but the state of health and laboratory parameters change; This is exactly what is encountered in practice every day.
- Vitamin deficiency is a serious condition, rare
- Hypovitaminosis - moderate deficiency, common
- Scurvy, beriberi, pellagra, rickets are classic examples.
- Symptoms of hypovitaminosis are nonspecific
- Spring fatigue is often not associated with vitamins
What shortages actually occur?
The most commonly confirmed deficiencies are iron, vitamin D and vitamin B12, as well as folic acid in pregnant women and people with intestinal diseases. Iron deficiency is especially common in women with heavy periods and in growing children. Vitamin D is not enough due to lack of sun, covered clothing, dark skin and old age. B12 deficiency is typical for strict vegetarians, people after gastric surgery, and people taking certain medications for a long time. Other vitamins are rarely deficient in a varied diet.
- Iron deficiency is the most common
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Vitamin B12 deficiency in vegetarians and after surgery
- Lack of folic acid during pregnancy
- B1 deficiency in alcohol abuse
- Iodine depending on region of residence
How it manifests itself
Signs of moderate deficiency are nonspecific, so they cannot be used to predict a specific vitamin. Common complaints include fatigue, decreased performance, deterioration of mood and sleep, hair loss, brittle nails, dry skin. With iron deficiency, pallor, shortness of breath, and the desire to eat chalk or ice are added. A lack of B12 can cause numbness and tingling, problems with balance and memory. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to muscle and bone pain and, in children, to bone deformities and stunted growth.
- Fatigue and decreased performance
- Hair loss and brittle nails
- Dry skin, cracks in the corners of the mouth
- Pallor and shortness of breath due to iron deficiency
- Numbness and tingling due to B12 deficiency
- Muscle and bone pain
- Deterioration of twilight vision due to vitamin A deficiency
What tests make sense to take?
There is no need to take the entire panel of vitamins in a row: it is expensive and does not change much. A smart approach is to start with a complete blood count and ferritin test, which screen for the most common cause of fatigue. Vitamin D is tested for risk factors and bone pain, vitamin B12 and folic acid for large red blood cells in the analysis, vegetarianism, gastric surgery or neurological complaints. Be sure to check the thyroid gland, since hypothyroidism gives very similar symptoms and is often hidden behind the diagnosis of vitamin deficiency.
- General clinical blood test
- Ferritin and iron metabolism indicators
- Vitamin D for risk factors
- Vitamin B12 and folic acid according to indications
- TSH for thyroid assessment
- Blood glucose
- Intestinal examination for diarrhea and weight loss
Nutrition and proper replenishment
A varied diet covers the need for most vitamins, and no seasonal courses of multivitamins can replace this. You need to replenish what is confirmed by analysis or clearly probable due to lifestyle: the dose and duration are determined by the doctor, and after the course a control test is done. Another danger is taking megadoses without indications: excess fat-soluble vitamins A, D and E accumulate and can harm the liver, bones and kidneys. Pregnant women are prescribed vitamins separately, on the recommendation of a doctor.
- A varied diet: vegetables, fruits, fish, meat, cereals, dairy products
- Gentle cooking of vegetables
- Replenishing only confirmed deficits
- Control analysis after the course
- Refusal of megadoses and self-prescription
- Caution with vitamins A, D and E
- Separate approach during pregnancy and children
