Nutritional deficiencies

Nutrients are the principal source of energy. They are also involved in several bodily functions such as healing and repairing wounds, maintaining normal vision, supporting the growth and development of bones, and keeping nerve cells healthy, among other functions. In most cases, symptoms start to develop 8 to 12 weeks after inadequate intake of nutrients. In some instances, symptoms may be difficult to notice, as they may not occur for several months or years. Symptoms can be non-specific and often resemble other medical conditions. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct a medical examination for confirmation. Some common signs and symptoms may include:

• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Muscle wasting
• Body fat wasting
• Poor growth of bones
• Swollen belly
• Higher susceptibility to infections
• Reduced wound healing
• Tiredness
• Muscle cramps
• Growth retardation
• Hair loss
• Dryness in the lips, skin, and nails
• Reduced sensitivity to light
• Vision loss
• Dry eyes
• Loss of teeth

Nutritional deficiencies can develop due to the following reasons:

• Poor quality or quantity of food consumed: Every nutrient has a recommended dietary allowance (RDA), which refers to the amount needed to meet the body's requirements. Continuous consumption of inadequate nutritional quantity can lead to nutritional deficiencies.
• Increased dietary requirements: Certain conditions can increase the RDA for specific nutrients, leading to potential deficiencies if the supply is not adjusted. These conditions include:
  • Pregnancy
  • Breastfeeding
  • Cancer
• Decreased gastrointestinal digestion and absorption: Nutrients must be absorbed into the bloodstream to exert their effects. Individuals consuming a balanced diet that meets RDA may still experience deficiencies due to decreased absorption.
• Increased excretion: Conditions such as kidney diseases can lead to increased excretion of nutrients, contributing to nutritional deficiencies.

The following factors increase the risk of nutritional deficiencies:

1. Gastrointestinal disorders
   Individuals with certain medical conditions, especially those affecting the digestive system, are more susceptible to nutritional deficiencies due to impaired absorption of nutrients. Such conditions include:
   • Celiac disease
   • Inflammatory bowel disease
   • Anorexia nervosa
   • Swallowing inability
   • Persistent vomiting
   • Lactose intolerance

   Here are 7 healthy food substitutes for people with lactose intolerance. Click to Know.

2. Imbalanced, restrictive, or low-nutrient diets
   We are what we eat. Restrictive diets can increase the risk of nutritional deficiencies. Strict vegan and plant-based diets have also shown poor absorption of micronutrients such as zinc and iron, leading to deficiencies.
3. Certain Medications
   The use of certain medications can increase the risk of specific nutrient deficiencies. This is attributed to reduced absorption or increased excretion. The classes of medications that can cause nutritional deficiencies include:
   • Antacids
   • Antihistamines
   • Anticancer medications
   • Anticoagulants
4. Pregnancy and lactation
   Pregnant and lactating women are at an increased risk of nutritional deficiencies due to higher nutritional demands. More than 40% of children and pregnant women suffer from anemia as a result of deficiencies, particularly in iron.
5. Age
   Children and older adults are prone to nutritional deficiencies due to increased nutritional requirements or associations with age-related health conditions. Looking for some nutritional supplements for your kids? Add To Cart.
6. Chronic alcoholism
   Chronic alcoholism is associated with lower levels of several nutrients. Alcohol intake is also linked to low serum magnesium, selenium, and zinc levels.
7. Obesity
   Obese individuals have a higher incidence of micronutrient deficiencies. The prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency in obese individuals ranges from 80% to 90%. Explore our exclusive range of weight management supplements. Shop Now.

Diagnosis of Nutritional Deficiencies

1. Medical history and physical examination
   Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms, medical history, and relevant factors such as your diet and lifestyle. A physical examination will also be conducted to check for signs associated with deficiency.
2. Blood tests
   Depending on the symptoms, one or a combination of the following blood tests may be recommended to assess the quantity of nutrients in the blood:
   • Protein total
   • Serum retinol (for Vitamin A)
   • Vitamin B12
   • Vitamin C
   • Vitamin E
   • Vitamin K
   • Vitamin D
   • Calcium
   • Zinc
   • Iron
   • Magnesium
   • Selenium
   • Potassium
   • Fluoride
   • Leukocyte test
   • Electrolyte evaluation (to evaluate overall nutritional and volume status)
   • Complete blood count (recommended if there is a possibility of anemia or any infection)
3. Imaging tests
   
   • Bone X-rays: Radiography of bones is primarily recommended in children to evaluate their growth due to nutritional deficiencies.
   • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This can be used to examine the brain and spinal cord, particularly if symptoms like numbness, tingling, or balance problems are present. It can help identify structural changes related to vitamin deficiencies.
   • Endoscopy: This involves using a flexible tube to directly view and examine internal structures, potentially detecting underlying conditions that may be a cause or effect of nutritional deficiencies.
   • Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scan: This test measures bone mineral density in patients with chronic Vitamin D deficiency.
   • Dermoscopy: This procedure examines skin lesions that may result from nutritional deficiencies, such as Vitamin C affecting the skin.

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The best way to prevent nutritional deficiencies is to have a balanced diet that contains an adequate amount of macronutrients and micronutrients.

1. Consume a well-balanced diet

   What to eat

   • Carbohydrates should constitute 50-60% of a meal. The most common healthy sources of carbohydrates are whole grains, rice, cereals, and legumes.
   • 10-20% should come from protein sources such as poultry, eggs, seafood, soybeans, and lean meat.
   • Add some good sources of healthy fats such as avocados, nuts, seeds, olive oil, and fatty fish.
   • Fresh fruits and vegetables such as guava, strawberry, papaya, kiwi, spinach, carrots, and bell peppers are very good sources of micronutrients. Eat at least one fruit a day.
   • A healthy gut microbiome can support the proper absorption of nutrients. Include fiber-rich foods in your diet.
   • Also, make sure to include probiotics in your diet. Probiotics are good bacteria that can synthesize B-group vitamins.

   What to avoid/limit

   Healthy eating is all about balance. Nutrient-poor and calorie-dense foods satisfy hunger but deprive the body of nutrients. Such foods should be avoided or limited. Examples include:

   • Highly processed and packaged foods such as chips, ketchups, chocolates, and ready-to-eat food items.
   • Sweetened drinks such as soda, soft drinks, flavored milks, sports drinks, flavored water with sugar, and pre-packaged juices.
   • Processed meats such as sausages and hot dogs.

   Listen to our experts discuss how you can get complete nutrition from healthy eating habits.

2. Treat any underlying medical conditions

   People with underlying health conditions such as celiac disease and cystic fibrosis can be affected in their absorption of nutrients. Therefore, treating the underlying condition may help maintain optimum nutrient levels.

3. Avoid restrictive diets

   Fad diets generally lead to nutrient deprivation. Avoiding restrictive diets may help prevent most nutritional deficiencies.

4. Do not shy away from the sun

   Approximately 5-30 minutes of sun exposure daily to the face, arms, hands, and legs without sunscreen leads to sufficient Vitamin D synthesis and optimizes many bodily functions.

5. Encourage breastfeeding of infants

   Breast milk serves as an excellent source of nutrients such as Vitamin A and proteins, especially during the initial six months of life. It is observed that children who receive exclusively breast milk for the first six months have a lower chance of developing Vitamin A deficiency later in life. They are also less likely to suffer from protein deficiencies.

6. Maintain environmental sanitation

   The chances of some nutritional deficiencies increase in the presence of certain diseases such as respiratory tract infections, tuberculosis, diarrhea, and worm infestations. Proper sanitation of the living environment helps reduce the prevalence of these diseases.

7. Ensure proper vaccination

   Certain vaccine-preventable diseases such as measles can precipitate deficiencies like those of Vitamin A. Immunization helps eliminate such factors and may help in preventing these deficiencies.

The primary treatment approach is to correct the deficiency through the diet. The treatment usually depends upon the duration and severity of symptoms. Supplements that are typically taken orally are provided. Intravenous supplements are administered in cases of severe symptoms. The treatment options include:

• Correcting the deficiency: The deficiency is corrected through supplementation. Common supplements include:
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin B12
• Vitamin B9
• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin E
• Vitamin K
• Calcium
• Zinc
• Iron
• Iodine
• Magnesium
• Selenium
• Potassium
• Fluoride

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• Treatment of associated symptoms: Prolonged nutritional deficiencies may require additional treatment options such as:
• Transfusion: Severe deficiencies of Vitamin C, Vitamin B12, and iron can lead to anemia. Such individuals may require blood transfusions.
• Vitrectomy: This procedure is performed on individuals with severe eye problems, such as dry eyes due to prolonged Vitamin C deficiency. During the surgery, the vitreous fluid (a gel-like substance that fills the space within the eye) is replaced with another solution.
• Bone surgery: Chronic deficiencies of calcium and Vitamin D can lead to bone disease. Affected children may require surgery if symptoms do not resolve with supplementation.

Indian kitchens are loaded with superfoods that possess a vast nutritional density. Try to include these in the diet. These include:

• Mushrooms: Mushrooms possess a very impressive range of nutrients. They are a rich source of Vitamin D and also contain Vitamin B complexes, proteins, and minerals such as selenium, potassium, phosphorus, and iron, along with dietary fiber.
• Pistachios (pista): Pistachios contain proteins, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, healthy fats, and minerals like iron, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, manganese, and zinc. They are a storehouse of Vitamins such as A, C, E, K, and B-complex Vitamins.
• Raisins (kishmish): The nutritional profile of raisins is rather enviable as they essentially contain no fats. They provide a healthy dose of calories, carbohydrates, and some proteins. The nutrients found in raisins include iron, potassium, magnesium, copper, zinc, phosphorus, calcium, Vitamin B, and small quantities of folate, Vitamin C, and Vitamin K.
• Apple: Apples are endowed with an impressive nutritional profile. They are enriched with major Vitamins such as A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, C, E, and K, and also contain essential minerals like potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, and iron.
• Quinoa: Quinoa has emerged as a super grain in recent years. It is a protein-packed grain containing every amino acid and is a rich source of calcium, iron, manganese, magnesium, and Vitamins B1, B3, B6, and E.

Indian food is most popular for its diversity. Listen to our expert discuss how you can maximize your nutrition from the traditional Indian diet.

• Osteoporosis
• Cardiovascular disease
• Low immunity
• Cognitive defects
• Goiter
• Mental retardation
• Acute respiratory infections
• Loss of vision
• Rickets
• Pellagra
• Beriberi
• Diarrhea

Nutritional deficiencies mostly resolve with conscious eating and dietary supplements. The following measures might help in faster recovery:

1. Get diagnosed: Visit a healthcare professional to confirm the deficiency and determine the severity. They may recommend further tests to identify the underlying cause of the deficiency.
2. Educate yourself: Learn about the deficiency, its causes, symptoms, and management options. This knowledge will empower you to make informed decisions about your health and work effectively with your healthcare professional.
3. Do not self medicate: It is advised to consult healthcare professionals before starting supplements. The doctor will prescribe the right dose as per your need. Nutrients can interact with other medications, which a doctor can help you identify and address.
4. Be aware of toxicity: Consuming a large amount of supplements over a short period can cause toxicity. The total intake from combined dietary and supplemental sources should not exceed the recommended amount. Some common signs and symptoms of toxicity include:
   • Constipation
   • Nausea
   • Vomiting
   • Increased urination
   • Confusion
   • Irregular heart rhythm
   • Kidney damage
5. Avoid overcooking: It is advised to eat fruits and vegetables raw or very lightly cooked for maximum effect, as some vitamins and minerals are sensitive to heat and overcooking can degrade them.
6. Abstain from smoking: Smoking serves as a trigger for some nutritional deficiencies, such as Vitamin C. It is advised to completely avoid smoking or limit it. Individuals who smoke may require higher amounts of supplements. Want to quit smoking? Explore our range of smoking cessation products.
7. Keep yourself hydrated: Some supplements may increase urination. Make sure to stay hydrated to compensate for the water loss.
8. Go for regular check-ups: Schedule regular appointments with your doctor to monitor your nutrient levels and overall health. They can guide you on necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.