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Common warning signs of vitamin deficiencies 

Vitamins are essential nutrients that help the body function properly. They support everything from energy production and brain function to immune health and healthy skin.  

When your body doesn’t get enough of certain vitamins over time, it can lead to a variety of symptoms that may affect your daily life.  

Recognising the warning signs of vitamin deficiencies can help you seek timely medical advice and make appropriate dietary changes. 

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Healthline says, “Symptoms of vitamin deficiency include brittle hair and nails, mouth ulcers, and more. Recognising these signs can help you adjust your diet accordingly.”  

Cleveland Clinic lists these warning signs that you’re lacking vitamins:

Common vitamin deficiencies

Hair loss and brittle nails

Excessive hair shedding or weak, brittle nails can sometimes be linked to nutritional deficiencies. Low levels of biotin, vitamin D, iron, and certain B vitamins may contribute to these issues, although other medical conditions can also be responsible. 

Bleeding gums

Bleeding or swollen gums are often associated with poor oral hygiene, but they can also be a sign of vitamin C deficiency. Vitamin C plays an important role in maintaining healthy gums and supporting tissue repair. 

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Mental ability loss 

Deficiencies in vitamins B1, B6 and B12 can affect how your brain works. That can cause memory loss, trouble concentrating, disorientation, and confusion. On top of mental loss, you can also experience constant fatigue and weakness, which are all indications of a vitamin deficiency. 

Vision problems

Difficulty seeing in dim light or experiencing dry eyes may be associated with vitamin A deficiency. Vitamin A is crucial for maintaining healthy vision and protecting the surface of the eyes. This is why a diet high in vitamins A, B1, B2, and E is important. 

Healthline further shares that a diet that provides an insufficient intake of vitamins and minerals can cause several symptoms, some of which are more serious than others. This is why increasing your intake of foods rich in the appropriate vitamins and minerals may help you manage nutrient-deficiency-related symptoms. 

Also see: The growing popularity of plant-based eating

Featured image: Getty Images / Tatsiana Frolova

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