What are some common nutrient deficiency symptoms in women? What should you look for? How do you cure it? Find out how right here!
Research shows 4 in 5 Americans (86%) take vitamins or supplements so they maintain a healthy and balanced diet. And while it’s wise to do this, it’s important to know how to spot nutrient deficiency symptoms so you know what your body is lacking.
Not sure of the symptoms? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s everything you need to know.
What Does Nutrient Deficiency Mean?
Nutritional deficiencies arise when your body doesn’t get enough of a particular nutrient like a vitamin, mineral, or fatty acid.
Because of this, nutrient deficiency symptoms flare up and you must talk to your physician or take supplements like vitamin gummy bears.
1. Vitamin D
One of the most common vitamin deficiencies is vitamin D, especially during winter.
Spend 10 to 15 minutes a day in the sun or get vitamin D from fortified dairy products, orange juice, salmon, and tuna. If women don’t have enough, you’ll notice bone pain, muscle weakness, frequent respiratory illnesses, and fatigue.
2. Iron
There are two types of iron: heme and non-heme iron.
The first is easily absorbed and found in animal foods, especially red meat. Non-heme is present in both animal and plant foods but is harder for your body to absorb.
This type of nutritional deficiency affects 25% of the world's population and women are susceptible when they’re menstruating or pregnant.
Those who are iron deficient will experience tiredness, weakness, a weakened immune system, and impaired brain function.
3. Magnesium
Magnesium is an essential mineral that plays an important role in bone and teeth structure alongside 300 enzyme reactions. Low intake of magnesium results in type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, heart disease, and osteoporosis.
4. Calcium
Women who have limited dairy intake are at high risk for calcium deficiency. One of the earliest symptoms of calcium deficiency is brittle nails, muscle cramps, extreme fatigue, and dental problems.
5. Vitamin B12
Another one of the most common vitamin deficiency examples is a lack of vitamin B12. This is crucial for blood formation alongside the brain and nerve function.
Even though your blood needs it, your body can’t produce it so you must get it from food or supplements. You can only get B12 in animal foods which is why vegetarians and vegans are at risk of being deficient.
Symptoms include impaired brain function and elevated homocysteine levels which can lead to other diseases. You can get your vitamin B12 by eating shellfish, organ meat, eggs, and milk products.
Those Are Nutrient Deficiency Symptoms In Women
You must familiarize yourself with nutrient deficiency symptoms so you can understand what vitamins and minerals your body desperately needs.
Make sure you spend time in the sun, eat dairy, veggies rich in iron, and enough vitamin B12. If you have any queries, always consult your physician as they’ll tell you how to introduce these to your diet.
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