Are You Getting Enough Vitamins? 4 Common Signs of Vitamin Deficiency

Vitamins and minerals are essential nutrients that our body systems need in order to effectively operate. 

We need vitamins and minerals in order to convert food to energy, heal from injuries, strengthen our bones and immune systems, and maintain general wellness. 

As many as 20% of UK adults have insufficient vitamin D levels, and hospitalisation rates for children with rickets — a bone-deforming disease caused by a lack of vitamin D — are now the highest in five decades.

We get most of our vitamins from our nutrition. If we are lacking in certain vitamins, our body may show us signs to clue us in. 

Recognising these signs can prompt us to add vitamin rich foods to our diet.

📋 Do you frequently get canker sores or cracks in the corners of your mouth? 

These could be a result of low iron or a vitamin B deficiency.  Poultry, meat, fish, nuts, seeds, dark leafy greens, and other green vegetables are all rich in iron and vitamin B. 

📋 Do your gums bleed frequently when you brush your teeth?

If brushing too hard is not the culprit, this may be a sign of low vitamin C. Our bodies actually don’t naturally produce the vitamin C that we need, so eating lots of fruits and vegetables is a must!

📋 Do you have dandruff?

Dandruff and dry, scaly skin are both linked to deficiencies in zinc and vitamin B (specifically niacin, riboflavin, and pyridoxine). Eating more fish/seafood, meat, legumes, eggs, dairy, nuts, green vegetables, and whole grains can help. 

📋 Do your wounds heal slowly?

Slow healing wounds after an injury or surgery have been linked to a Vitamin D deficiency. Getting more sunlight and eating more fatty fish and dairy may help you heal. 

Deficiencies are often easy to fix with small changes and big health benefits. In my coaching programmes, I highly recommend personalised and science backed supplements that help address those deficiencies

If you have health concerns, please see your doctor.

Do you take a daily multivitamin? If so, what kind?