Hypovitaminosis occurs when there is a lack of one or more vitamins in the body, being almost always caused by a very restricted diet and poor in certain foods, as is the case with animal products in the case of vegetarians.
However, lack of vitamins can also occur due to certain health problems such as liver problems, bowel modifications or more serious diseases such as anorexia or cancer.
- Although rare.
- Lack of vitamin A can occur when there is a reduction in consumption of foods rich in this vitamin.
- Such as milk.
- Cheese.
- Carrot or spinach.
- For example; however.
- Lack of vitamin A is also common in people.
- With liver problems or malabsorption syndrome.
- For example.
Main symptoms: The main symptom is changes in the eyes, such as dry eyes and spots, which can cause night blindness, but other signs include colds and colds, dry skin and mouth, lack of appetite and headaches.
How to treat: Treatment is usually done with vitamin A supplements, which should be taken every day. However, the amount of vitamin A should always be calculated by a doctor or nutritionist, as excess vitamin A can be toxic to the body.
B-complex vitamins can be divided into several subgroups, so the lack of all B vitamins is very rare, especially in cases of anorexia, where there is a marked reduction in consumption of almost all foods.
The B vitamins that are most often missing are
Lack of vitamin B1, also known as beriberi, can occur due to several problems such as reduced carbohydrate intake in the diet, cancer, hyperthyroidism, liver problems or excessive use of diuretics. In addition, during pregnancy, there may also be a deficiency of this vitamin. , as it is a stage of a woman’s life in which the body needs higher amounts of vitamin.
Main symptoms: Symptoms such as weakness and excessive fatigue, frequent muscle cramps, general discomfort, heart palpitations, water retention or lack of memory, for example, may occur.
How to treat: Supplementation with this vitamin is usually used for at least 6 months; however, it is recommended to change your diet, stop consuming alcoholic beverages and increase your intake of vitamin-rich foods. See the full list of foods that contain vitamin B1. .
In addition to reduced consumption of vitamin B6 foods, lack of vitamin B6 can also occur in people with kidney problems, bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis or excessive alcohol consumption.
Main symptoms: this vitamin is very important for the nervous system, so its lack can cause confusion, depression, weakening of the immune system, swelling of the tongue, skin problems and anemia.
How to treat: It is recommended to use vitamin B6 supplements, in addition to increasing the consumption of vitamin-rich foods, such as salmon, chicken or bananas, for example. Learn about other foods rich in vitamin B6.
Deficiency of this type of vitamin is more common in vegetarians, as the main sources of vitamin B12 are animal products, such as egg, meat or cheese, which are not among the most restricted vegetarian diets; however, lack of this vitamin can also occur in people with a decrease in intrinsic factor, a substance produced in the stomach that helps absorb vitamin B12.
Main symptoms: lack of vitamin B12 is one of the main causes of anemia and, therefore, some symptoms of its lack in the body may include excessive fatigue, weight loss, tingling in hands and feet, confusion, lack of balance or mouth sores, for example.
How to treat: it is advisable to change the diet, increasing the consumption of foods rich in this vitamin, however, in the case of vegetarians or people who lack intrinsic factors, vitamin injections may be necessary. More information on the lack of this vitamin.
See also a complete list of symptoms of the lack of each B vitamin complex.
Vitamin C cannot be produced by the human body and should therefore be ingested into the diet through foods such as orange, spinach or tomato. In addition, people with changes in intestinal absorption, such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, are also at high risk. vitamin deficiency.
Main symptoms: The first signs include fatigue, muscle pain and purple spots on the skin, however, with aggravation of the problem, swelling and bleeding of the gums, recurrent infections or loss of teeth, for example.
How to treat: In addition to intake of vitamin C supplements, it is necessary to increase intake of vitamin-rich foods. Find out which foods have the highest concentration of vitamin C.
In addition to reducing consumption of vitamin D-containing foods, such as salmon, eggs, or sardines, lack of vitamins can also occur when there is not enough sun exposure, for example.
Main symptoms: the most common signs are bone pain and muscle weakness, however, over time, more serious problems such as cardiovascular disease, cancer or severe asthma may occur in children.
How to treat it: Increase intake of foods that contain vitamin D and use vitamin D supplements. In addition, it is recommended to increase sun exposure safely, as the body is able to produce vitamin D when exposed to the sun. See what foods to eat add to your diet.
Lack of vitamin K is more common in infants, being caused by problems such as low transmission of vitamin through the placenta, premature liver or a decrease in the amount of vitamin K by the motherline; However, vitamin K deficiency can also occur in adults with changes such as alcoholism, malabsorption syndromes or antibiotic use, for example.
Main symptoms: Lack of vitamin K can cause symptoms such as blood clotting problems, frequent bleeding, and purple spots on the skin.
How to treat: It is recommended to use vitamin K supplements, which should be calculated by a doctor. In addition, it is important to increase intake of vitamin K-rich foods. See the list of foods richest in vitamin K.