Nutrition plays a significant role in maintaining our body’s normal functions. It contributes to our body’s growth, development, cell repair and energy production.

However, poor diet and inadequate food intake can lead to nutritional deficiencies, which can result in various health problems. A nutritional deficiency occurs when the body lacks essential nutrients required for proper functioning, and it can manifest in several forms.

Vitamin A Deficiency

Vitamin A maintains the health of the eyes, skin, and immune system. Its deficiency leads to night blindness, vision loss, dry eyes, and skin problems such as acne and itching. It can also affect the immune system, causing frequent infections.

Vitamin A is found in pumpkin, carrots, sweet potatoes, liver, and leafy greens.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in the proper functioning of the nervous system. Its deficiency leads to memory loss, anemia, fatigue, nerve damage, and depression. Vitamin B12 is mostly found in animal products such as beef, chicken, fish, and eggs.

Vitamin C Deficiency

Vitamin C plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy skin, blood vessels, bones, and immune function. Its deficiency leads to weak immune function, scurvy, joint pain, and slow wound healing.

Vitamin C is found in citrus fruits, broccoli, kiwi, and strawberries.

Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D regulates calcium absorption and maintains healthy bones. Its deficiency leads to weak bones, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, and increased risk of falls.

Vitamin D can be obtained from sunlight, fatty fish, fortified cereals, and dairy products.

Iron Deficiency

Iron is crucial for carrying oxygen in the body, and its deficiency leads to anemia, fatigue, weakness, and shortness of breath. Iron is found in red meat, poultry, fish, beans, and leafy greens.

Iodine Deficiency

Iodine is essential for proper thyroid function and metabolism. Its deficiency leads to goiter, hypothyroidism, fatigue, weight gain, and mental impairment. Iodine is mostly found in iodized salt and seafood.

Zinc Deficiency

Zinc is crucial for proper growth and immune function. Its deficiency leads to delayed growth, weakened immune system, hair loss, and loss of appetite. Zinc is found in red meat, poultry, seafood, beans, and nuts.

Magnesium Deficiency

Magnesium is required for maintaining healthy muscles, bones, and nerves. Its deficiency leads to muscle weakness, fatigue, and cramps. Magnesium is found in leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.

Calcium Deficiency

Calcium plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy bones and teeth. Its deficiency leads to weak bones, osteoporosis, muscle cramps, and fractures. Calcium is found in dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods.

Protein Deficiency

Protein is essential for building and repairing tissues in the body. Its deficiency leads to muscle wasting, fatigue, and weak immune system. Protein is found in meat, poultry, dairy, beans, and nuts.