Vitamin deficiency: 5 tell-tale signs of Vitamin C, D and other micronutrient deficiencies in your body

Your body needs certain vitamins and minerals to function at its best. If that requirement is not met, the insufficiency can prop up numerous health problems, the intensity of which can vary from person to person; this also depends on the degree of deficiency. Here are 5 common signs of deficiency of few essential micronutrients your body needs to function properly. Pay close attention to your diet or consult your doctor for supplementation in case you experience any of the following symptoms:

Research shows that low levels of vitamin D may increase the chances of dry skin. Vitamin D is created through skin exposure to the sun and cholesterol in the skin. Many people experience dry skin in winters due to a lack of vitamin D as they get limited sun exposure during winters. Consult your doctor for supplementation if needed to increase your skin’s hydration levels.

Mouth ulcers and cracks in your mouth can be an indication of an iron deficiency. They can also be caused by an insufficient intake of B vitamins. Make sure your diet is good enough to meet your requirements of both these nutrients and consult your doctor for supplementation if needed.

Bleeding gums should not be ignored. These could happen due to a lack of vitamin C in your body. Vitamin C is required to promote wound healing as well as building general immunity in your body. Other signs of low vitamin C include east bruising and frequent nose bleeds. Note that our bodies do not create vitamin C on their own. Therefore it is important for you to consume this vitamin through your diet or supplementation if required.

It is completely ok to lose a couple of hair strands everyday. However, if you suddenly notice clumps of hair falling off during a shower or on your pillow after waking up, these could be caused by micronutrient deficiency. Some key nutrients that are needed to stimulate hair growth and encourage regrowth include iron, biotin and zinc. For the unversed, biotin is also known as vitamin B7.

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To function properly, your body needs 13 vitamins — 9 of which are water-soluble and 4 of which are fat-soluble.

Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water so you don’t need to take them with food for them to be absorbed. On the other hand, fat-soluble vitamins depend on fat for proper absorption. So, it is generally recommended that you consume fat-soluble compounds with a meal that contains fat.