October 15, 2010

Symptoms Of Mineral Deficiency Due To Lack of Vitamins And Minerals In Food

Posted in Category : General Health

There are various vitamins and minerals in food some of the most commonly found minerals are calcium, iron, zinc, potassium, manganese, copper, magnesium, iodine, chromium, selenium, phosphorus, sulfur and sodium. The human body requires a certain amount of various minerals, in order to function properly. However, due to our hectic lifestyles in today’s world, most people do not have the time to eat healthy and nutritious meals that are packed with vitamins, minerals or other nutrients. The lack of adequate minerals in the diet will eventually lead to mineral deficiency. Some of the most common mineral deficiencies that people have the tendency to suffer from are iron deficiency, calcium deficiency and iron deficiency. Since the body needs each of these minerals for different purposes, various symptoms of mineral deficiency may soon become evident.

Symptoms

The lack of minerals in a person’s body could lead to several unfavorable symptoms and diseases. Given below is a list of common minerals as well as the symptoms of mineral deficiency that are associated with each one:

  • Calcium: Weak bones, osteoporosis, eye inflammation, dermatitis, insomnia and hair loss
  • Iron: Anemia, constipation, dizziness, depression, fatigue, brittle nails, severe headaches, tongue inflammation, confusion and lesions in the mouth
  • Zinc: Skin problems, hair fall, high cholesterol, memory loss, poor nail health, diarrhea, delay in sexual maturity, depression, stunted growth, paranoia, night blindness, impotence or male infertility, mood swings and problems with the immune system.
  • Potassium: Poor reflexes, skin problems, weakness, mental problems, nervousness, insomnia, high cholesterol, edema and depression.
  • Manganese: Dizziness, high cholesterol, a ringing sound in the ears or hearing problems, glucose intolerance, muscle control loss and atherosclerosis.
  • Copper: Weakness, anemia, depression, hyperthyroidism, diarrhea, hair loss, fragile bones and fatigue
  • Magnesium: Heart problems, anxiety, mood swings, hyperactivity, confusion, restlessness, insomnia and weakness
  • Iodine: Unexplained weight gain, hypothyroidism, fatigue, cretinism
  • Chromium: Diabetes, fatigue, anxiety, glucose intolerance
  • Selenium: Impairment problems related to the liver, immune system and regular growth, high cholesterol, cancer risk and pancreatic insufficiency
  • Phosphorus: Anxiety, stiff joints, bone pain, fatigue, appetite loss, fragile bones, weight fluctuations, weakness, irritability and numbness.
  • Sulfur: Diseases and disorders like migraine, arthritis, backaches, constipation, nerve problems, muscle pain, asthma, skin conditions and urinary tract disorders.
  • Sodium: Severe muscle cramps, low blood pressure, nausea, apathy and weakness,

The symptoms of mineral deficiency should never be ignored or treated lightly. It is important to consult a doctor, or a nutritionist for the possibility of adding natural mineral supplements to the diet, to boost the level of minerals in the body.