Vitamin and Mineral Deficiency

Vitamins and minerals are the most essential nutrients responsible for healthy growth of body and mind.



They regulate all the vital biological processes. These essential nutrients can either be synthesized by the body or received through fortified food sources. Individuals lacking these vital nutrients are often found with the symptoms of vitamin mineral deficiencies.

The severe effects of vitamin and mineral deficiencies are known since ages.



Even today, people are suffering from deficiencies such as anemia, blindness, thyroid and cretinism due to inadequate diet or poor availability of enriched foods in developing countries. Most common occurring symptoms of vitamin and mineral deficiency include fatigue, weight loss, weakened bones, and growth retardation.

As compared to minerals, vitamins are more essential. Vitamin mineral deficiency greatly influences the whole body structure and mental growth.



Some of the most important minerals are iron, calcium, iodine, magnesium, potassium, phosphorous and zinc.

Iron is a key element that is responsible for transportation and storage of oxygen. It is also an effective anti-oxidant and helps in DNA synthesis. Individuals suffering from iron deficiencies show symptoms of anemia, constipation, dirt eating, fatigue, headaches, anorexia, ice eating, growth retardation, heart palpations and memory defects.

Calcium is the most widely found mineral in the human body.



A higher percentage of the element is found in bones and teeth. Individuals suffering from calcium deficiencies show signs of arthritis, back pains, bone spurs, brittle nails, depression, nervousness, irritability, muscle cramps, neuromuscular excitability, high blood pressure, hyper tension, rickets, tooth decay, retarded growth and panic attacks.

Iodine is a non-metallic trace element that is utilized by the human body for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. If adequate amount of iodine is not consumed in the daily diet, the individual is often found with deficiency symptoms of iodine.



Symptoms include cold intolerance, hand tremors, irritability, hair loss, heat intolerance, fatigue, dry skin, depression and bulging eyes.

Magnesium plays an important role in producing energy, cell signaling, cell migration, iron transportation and synthesis of essential molecules. Magnesium deficiency symptoms include anxiety, asthma, anorexia, confusion, growth failure, birth defects, restlessness, menstrual migraines and insomnia.

Potassium is an electrolyte that serves as a cofactor for enzymes. Individuals suffering from potassium deficiency show signs of acne, edema, depression, cognitive impairment, constipation, nervousness, palpitation, respiratory distress and insomnia.

Phosphorous is a mineral that forms a major component of the cell membrane.



The deficiency symptoms of phosphorous include anorexia, weight loss, apprehension, weight loss and weakness.

Zinc is an essential trace element for all living beings as it catalyzes all vital chemical reactions and regulates gene expression. A deficiency in zinc can lead to brain defects, clubbed limbs, heart defects, lung diseases, Down’s syndrome and urogenital defects. Symptoms include apathy, acne, fatigue, stunted growth, sterility and weakened immune system.

Any vitamin or mineral deficiency can be curbed by consuming the right amount of enriched food source and adding vitamin supplements to the diet.