A nutritional deficiency occurs when the body doesn’t absorb or get from food the necessary amount of a nutrient. Deficiencies can lead to a variety of health problems, which can include digestion problems, neurovascular disorders, stunted or defective bone growth, and even dementia. But what you probably don’t realise is how your diet is contributing to your musculoskeletal health when you visit your local Osteopath.
What are the symptoms of nutritional deficiencies?
– Muscle pain
– Dry skin
– Tingling and numbness of the joints
– Dizziness
– Headaches
– Pallor, or pale skin
– Sore or swollen joints
– Fatigue
– Weakness
– Weight changes
– Trouble breathing
– Hair loss
– Difficulty walking
– Light-headedness
– Diarrhoea
– Constipation
– Sleepiness
– Heart palpitations
– Feeling faint or fainting
– Menstrual cycle changes/and or pain
– Poor concentration
How are nutritional deficiencies diagnosed?
Your doctor will discuss your diet and eating habits with you if they suspect you have a nutritional deficiency but may also be diagnosed during routine blood tests, including a complete blood count. Common micronutrient deficiencies include;
Iron
The most widespread nutritional deficiency worldwide is iron deficiency. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia. This is a blood disorder that causes fatigue, weakness, and a variety of other symptoms.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is a group of nutrients crucial for eye health and functioning and reproductive health in men and women. It also plays a part in strengthening the immune system against infections.
Thiamine (Vitamin B-1)
Another common nutritional deficiency occurs with thiamine, also known as vitamin B-1. Thiamine is an important part of your nervous system. It also helps your body turn carbohydrates into energy as part of your metabolism.
Folate (Vitamin B-9)
Vitamin B-9 helps the body create red blood cells and produce DNA. It’s often referred to as folate. Folate also helps brain development and nervous system functioning. Folic acid is the synthetic form found in supplements or fortified foods.
Cobalamin (Vitamin B-12)
Vitamin B-12 is a B vitamin that’s responsible for assisting the body in making enough healthy red blood cells.
Deficiency in this vitamin is common among people who:
– Are vegan
– Have had gastric surgery
– Are over 60 years old
– Have diabetes and take metformin (Glucophage)
– Have a long history of antacid use
– Lack intrinsic factor
– Are deficient in Calcium
Calcium
Calcium helps your body develop strong bones and teeth. It also helps your heart, nerves, and muscles work the way they should. A calcium deficiency often doesn’t show symptoms right away, but it can lead to serious health problems over time. If you aren’t consuming enough calcium, your body may use the calcium from your bones instead. This leads to bone loss.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones. It helps the body maintain the right levels of calcium in order to regulate the development of teeth and bones. Osteoporosis, caused by a lack of calcium and Vitamin D, can lead to porous and fragile bones that break very easily.
So, if you’re thinking that you could be experiencing a nutritional deficiency, don’t be afraid to voice this to your health practitioner, as it could be a contributing factor to why you are seeing them.
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This post was written by Dr Caley Olesen.
You can find out more about her here or book an appointment online here.
Alternatively, you can call us at the Clinic on 03 9908 2844.