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 optimally. If that need is not met, the deficiency can promote many health problems, the severity of which can vary from person to person; it also depends on the level of deficiency. Here are 5 common signs of a lack of certain essential micronutrients that your body needs to function properly. Pay attention to your diet or consult your doctor for supplementation if you experience any of the following symptoms:

Research shows that low levels of vitamin D can increase the chance of dry skin. Vitamin D is created by exposure of the skin to the sun and cholesterol in the skin. Many people experience dry skin in the winter due to vitamin D deficiency because they have limited sun exposure during the winter. Consult your doctor for supplementation if needed to increase your skin’s hydration level.

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

Bleeding gums should not be ignored. They can occur due to a lack of vitamin C in your body. Vitamin C is necessary to promote wound healing as well as build overall immunity in your body. Other signs of low vitamin C include east bruising and frequent nosebleeds. Remember that our bodies do not make vitamin C on their own. Therefore it is important for you to consume the vitamin through your diet or supplementation as needed.

It is perfectly ok to lose a few strands of hair every day. However, if you suddenly notice clumps of hair falling out while in the shower or on your pillow after waking up, these could be caused by a micronutrient deficiency. Some key nutrients needed to stimulate hair growth and encourage regrowth include iron, biotin and zinc. For those who don’t know, 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 to absorb them. On the other hand, fat-soluble vitamins depend on fat for proper absorption. Thus, it is generally recommended that you consume fat-soluble compounds with a meal containing fat.