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Signs of Vitamin or Mineral Deficiencies
Vitamins
and minerals are needed only in small quantity but their role in health is
great. Many health and nutrition authorities believe a balanced diet will
provide all the vitamins and minerals needed without taking supplements.
Exceptions may be pregnant women, persons with medical problems and senior
citizens who do not absorb nutrients as well.
The following are some
signs of deficiencies and the nutrient lacking in the
diet:
| Night
blindness |
Vitamin A |
| Bone
diseases, rickets |
Vitamin D and Calcium |
| Excessive bleeding, liver damage |
Vitamin K |
| Anxiety,
nausea |
Vitamin B1
(Thiamin) |
| Sores
around nose and mouth, visual problems |
Riboflavin |
| Weakness, irritability |
Vitamin B5 |
| Skin
diseases |
Niacin |
| Depression, confusion |
Vitamin B6
(Pantothenic Acid) |
| Anemia,
diarrhea, bleeding gums, stomach upset |
Folic Acid |
| Loose
teeth, bleeding gums, easy bruising |
Vitamin C |
| Muscle
weakness, cramps |
Magnesium |
| Weakness, fatigue, headache, anemia |
Iron |
| Slow
wound healing, loss of appetite, slow
growth
|
Zinc |
| Muscle
weakness, cardia arrhythmias |
Potassium |
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