Micronutrient Deficiencies These basic supplement recommendations presuppose an otherwise healthy body. In some cases, though, people need more of a particular nutrient to correct a problem.
In general, do not supplement an individual vitamin or mineral without the advice of a nutritionist or naturopathic physician, because overdose or imbalance is possible for some of them, and also because some of these symptoms may be indicative of an underlying condition that you might mask with supplementation.
That said, here’s a quick “review of systems,” pointing out common issues that may indicate a nutrient deficiency. Your nails can tell you a lot about potential deficiencies. Ridges, white spots, or hang nails often indicate a zinc deficiency. Soft or brittle nails may indicate a magnesium deficiency.
Hair loss can be a lot of things , but biotin, zinc, or iron deficiency are possible causes. Usually skin problems involve the gut and/or the liver, and there are often food intolerances involved. That said, it may also indicate the following deficiencies: Dermatitis (inflamed skin): related to deficiency in Vitamins B2, B3, B6, C, E, A, zinc, and biotin Follicular Hyperkeratosis (plugged pores on the backs of the arms):
Vitamin A or Essential Fatty Acid deficiency Seborrheic Dermatitis (flaky, oily skin): could be a biotin deficiency Eczema: potentially Vitamin B2 or Vitamin E deficiency. Psoriasis: associated with low Vitamin A, D, E, C, and zinc. Acne Vulgaris: associated with deficiency in Vitamins A, B5, B6, E, and zinc Acne Rosacea: associated with deficiency in Vitamins C and B2
Night blindness may indicate vitamin A deficiencies. Dark circles under the eyes, sometimes called “allergic shiners,” are often a sign of food intolerance. Frequent nose bleeds may be a folate or Vitamin B12 deficiency, Vitamin K deficiency, or a lack of antioxidants. Get this worked up if it’s frequent.
Issues in your mouth often are B vitamin deficiencies. Specifically: Swollen or fissured tongue: may be iron deficiency, or lack of vitamins B2, B3, B6, or B12 Cracked, peeling lips or edges of the mouth: may be a vitamin B2 deficiency Bleeding gums: vitamin C deficiency Gum disease: folic acid, CoQ10, or Vitamin C deficiency Loss of taste: may be a B12 or zinc deficiency Canker sores: may be a B12 or folate deficiency
Tinnitus (ringing in the ears) may be caused by a lot of things, but could be a Vitamin B3, B12 or Vitamin E deficiency. Get this worked up. Frequent soreness or muscle spasms may be a magnesium deficiency or an electrolyte imbalance. Along those lines, Restless Leg Syndrome may be caused by a number of things, but can be an electrolyte imbalance, or deficiency in iron, calcium, Vitamin E or folate.
