Nutrient deficiencies – causes, symptoms and treatment – naturopathy – natural healing specialist portal

Nutrient Deficiency – Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

This text complies with the specifications of medical literature, medical guidelines and current studies and has been reviewed by medical doctors and physicians.

A lack of nutrients first manifests itself in nonspecific symptoms such as tiredness and exhaustion and is therefore often not recognized as a cause immediately. (Image: terovesalainen / fotolia.com)

In a nutrient deficiency, the body is not sufficiently supplied with all the important nutrients. So that all metabolic processes and functions can run optimally, the human organism needs micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals in addition to macronutrients such as carbohydrates, fats and proteins. Accordingly, a distinction is made between a macronutrient deficiency and a micronutrient deficiency. The nutrient deficiency can occur isolated or affect several nutrients. Often it lacks protein, magnesium, vitamin D, vitamin B12, folic acid and iron. The symptoms depend on which nutrient is missing in which amount.

Nutrient deficiency – the symptoms

A lack of nutrients does not arise suddenly, but develops rather slowly. The complaints are initially very unspecific, so that the lack often goes unrecognized for a long time. Often the lack of nutrients is associated with symptoms such as tiredness, fatigue or increased susceptibility to infections. Even external changes such as thin hair or a pale skin color can draw attention to a deficiency.
A lack of nutrients first manifests itself in nonspecific symptoms such as tiredness and exhaustion and is therefore often not recognized as a cause immediately. (Image: terovesalainen / fotolia.com)

Symptoms of a protein deficiency

Proteins, also called proteins, are the elemental building blocks in the body. They are components of cells and tissues, as well as enzymes, antibodies of the immune system and various hormones made of proteins. Since our body cells and our tissues in the body are constantly renewed, the organism relies on a regular protein intake. A protein deficiency can cause the following symptoms:

  • pronounced weakness and fatigue,
  • muscle loss,
  • an increased susceptibility to infection,
  • Water retention in the lungs and tissues.

Complaints of iron deficiency

Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies in western industrialized countries. Due to the monthly bleeding especially women are affected by iron deficiency. Iron plays a role above all for the oxygen transport and for the energy supply. In iron deficiency, the skin and especially the mucous membranes appear pale. Those affected are tired, beaten and complain of headaches and dizziness. Also a diminished efficiency, concentration disturbances and brittle nails as well as hair loss belong to the possible symptoms.

Magnesium deficiency – the symptoms

Magnesium is important for the electrolyte balance in the body. In the muscles, the mineral provides a balanced balance of relaxation and tension. Similarly, humans need magnesium for a normal energy metabolism. Neuromuscular symptoms such as calf cramps, increased muscle tension or muscle twitching are typical for a magnesium deficiency. But also sleep disturbances, nervousness and fatigue can be based on a magnesium deficiency.
A lack of magnesium in the body is manifested by muscle problems such as calf cramps and muscle tension. (Image: schwede-photodesign / fotolia.com)

Tiredness and tingling through B12 deficiency

Vitamin B12 is an important vital substance from the group of B vitamins. The water-soluble vitamin is important for the function of the nervous system and also plays a crucial role in the formation of red blood cells (erythrocytes). Tiredness, difficulty concentrating and even depressive moods are also among the possible complaints of a vitamin B12 deficiency such as tingling in the limbs and numbness.

Symptoms of folic acid deficiency

Folic acid is also a B vitamin. Like vitamin B12, it is important for the formation of blood and for the development of cells. A folic acid deficiency can have serious consequences, especially during pregnancy. For example, deficiency of folic acid favors the development of a neural tube defect in the embryo. Also, the cleft lip and palate may be the result of a folic acid deficiency of the mother in pregnancy. In adults, the deficiency leads to anemia (anemia) with symptoms such as tiredness, susceptibility to infections and burning of the tongue.

Vitamin D3 deficiency in children and adults

The body can produce vitamin D itself, provided it comes into contact with UV radiation frequently enough. It is estimated that about one-third of the population in the EU is suffering from vitamin D deficiency. Symptoms include muscle weakness and bone pain. A severe deficiency can lead to bone loss (osteoporosis) in adults. In children, skeletal changes such as bent bones are a possible consequence of the deficiency.
Many Europeans are deficient in vitamin D due to lack of sun exposure. Suitable foods such as some fish species (salmon, herring) also provide vitamin D. (Image: ratmaner / fotolia.com)

Immunodeficiency due to zinc deficiency

Zinc is an important trace element. Although it occurs in the body only in small amounts, but is of great importance for many biochemical functions. A zinc deficiency can lead among other things to wound healing disorders and dry skin. In addition, in the absence of zinc supply, the immune system is limited in its function. Possible consequences are increased susceptibility to infections and the increased occurrence of skin fungi.

Complaints of vitamin C deficiency

From the 16th to the 19th century, the vitamin C deficiency was widespread, especially among seafarers and known as scurvy. With a lack it comes among other things to bleeding gums. Wound healing disorders and bleeding on the skin can also occur with vitamin C deficiency.

Nutrient deficiency – the causes

The causes of a nutrient deficiency are manifold. In addition to an unbalanced diet, an increased need or various diseases can cause a deficiency situation.

Low-nutrient diet

Many of the foods we eat today are rich in calories but low in vitamins and minerals. In particular finished products and fast foods contain hardly any nutrients. Certain forms of nutrition can also promote the emergence of a deficiency. For example, vitamin B12 is mainly present in animal products. People who eat vegan are at an increased risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. And even long-term, one-sided diets can lead to a lack of nutrients. Another risk group is older people: on the one hand, the appetite often disappears with age, and on the other, some seniors are no longer able to provide themselves with a balanced diet.
Vitamin B12 is found mainly in animal products. People who eat vegetarian should pay attention to a sufficient intake of the vitamin. (Image: bit24 / fotolia.com)

Increased need

Even with a balanced diet, the need for vitamins and minerals can not always be met. An increased need have among other things:

  • pregnant and breastfeeding women,
  • smoker,
  • People who do intensive sports,
  • People taking certain medications (for example, hormonal contraceptives),
  • Patients with chronic diseases.

Nutrient deficiency due to stomach and intestinal diseases

Nutrients are absorbed into the body in the intestine. Gastric and intestinal diseases such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis may hinder the uptake and thus cause a deficiency. For the absorption of vitamin B12, the body also requires the so-called intrinsic factor. This is formed in the stomach. Chronic gastric mucosal inflammation leads to a reduced production of the intrinsic factor and thus to a lack of uptake of vitamin B12.

A common cause of decreased intake, called malabsorption, is also inadequate production of digestive enzymes. The pancreas produces digestive enzymes needed to digest fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Diseases such as exocrine pancreatic insufficiency lead to poor digestion. If the body can not properly absorb the fat from food, the supply of fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamins E, D, K or A is at risk.

Treatment of a nutrient deficiency

At best, a nutritional deficiency can be treated by adjusting the diet. A low iron value can be corrected, for example, by iron-containing foods such as meat, millet or beetroot. If you have too little folic acid in the body, you should increasingly resort to green vegetables such as kale or spinach. But it is not always enough to adapt the diet.
Folic acid (also vitamin B9) is found especially in green vegetables, as well as in legumes and cereal germs. (Image: komarinansk / fotolia.com)

Substitution of nutritional deficiency

Especially with a high need or a very pronounced deficiency, a substitution of the corresponding vitamin or mineral may be required. Anyone who suffers from a vitamin D deficiency will therefore take a vitamin D supplement. An iron deficiency requires the supply of iron-containing tablets or capsules. Likewise, iron can be infused.

Depending on the cause, a nutrient substitution is not enough. If the cause is not treated, the nutrient deficiency will reappear after a certain period of time. If there is an iron deficiency due to a very heavy menstrual bleeding, this must be treated. Similarly, bleeding in the digestive tract can lead to iron loss. Here it is important to find and stop the bleeding. If inflammation in the intestines hinders the absorption of nutrients, appropriate therapy is also required here.

Especially with gastric and intestinal diseases, treatment with nutrients can be difficult. Even high-dose supplements are not tolerated by the patients or the nutrients are not or only insufficiently absorbed. In the case of a serious intake disorder, the missing nutrients must therefore be administered by infusion if possible.

Synthetic versus natural vitamins

Whether vitamins and minerals should be synthetic or natural, is still controversial. Proponents of the natural variant argue that they always enter the body in a composite of enzymes, co-enzymes and phytochemicals. The organism should be able to better utilize this form of vital substances. Here it is assumed that the whole is more than the sum of its parts. This means that synergistic effects occur, so that the individual components can support and enhance their effect. For example, in addition to ascorbic acid, natural vitamin C also contains the enzyme tyrosinase and a bioflavonoid complex. Synthetic vitamin C, however, often consists exclusively of the sub-substance ascorbic acid.

When taking vitamins and minerals, it is also important to pay attention. Thus, nutrients in their intake can hinder or support each other. The absorption of iron can be promoted for example by the simultaneous intake of vitamin C..
Vitamins can be taken in synthetic form, for example as tablets or fed to the body via appropriate food. (Image: Dron / fotolia.com)

Intestinal rehabilitation for a better nutrient uptake

Even people who do not suffer from chronic inflammatory bowel syndrome, may have a lack of intake capacity of the intestine. Often hides behind the lack of nutrients, a so-called dysbiosis. Billions of bacteria colonize the human gut. This complex bacterial ecosystem is also referred to as microbiome or intestinal flora. Lactobacilli, enterobacteria or Escherichia coli are part of the intestinal flora. The microbiome plays not only for the function of the immune system, but also for the supply of vitamins a crucial role. On the one hand, the bacteria produce nutrients such as vitamin K and partly also vitamin B12, on the other hand they support the digestion of the food.

Disturbances of the intestinal flora, so-called dysbiosis, can therefore result in a lack of nutrient uptake and inadequate vitamin production. Especially in alternative medicine, the intestinal health is therefore an important prerequisite for a good nutritional supply. Dysbiosis can be treated with pro- and prebiotics. Probiotics are viable microorganisms that colonize the gut or improve the environment in the intestine. Prebiotics such as inulin serve the bacteria in the intestine as food and can thus support their reproduction.

Medicinal plants against nutrient deficiency

Medicinal plants can counteract nutrient deficiencies in various ways. On the one hand, there are plants that can have a positive effect on digestion performance and thus on nutrient uptake. Many of these plants contain bitter substances or essential oils that stimulate the secretion of digestive juices. In addition to dandelion, these digestive plants include yarrow, fennel, wormwood and cumin.

On the other hand, there are plants that are rich in nutrients themselves. A prime example is field horsetail, which contains up to ten percent silica. This in turn consists predominantly of silicon. In its organic form, silicon is involved in many metabolic processes in the body. The aloe vera belongs with its high content of vitamin C, vitamin A and vitamin E and the amino acids contained to the nutrient-rich plants. The medicinal plant also has a considerable amount of iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese and zinc.

Minerals, trace elements and vitamins are partially dissolved in the preparation of tea and can be absorbed. In some medicinal plants such as the aloe, however, a treatment is recommended as a vegetable juice. (Fp)

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