Vitamin deficiency: why does the body lack the simplest thing?

Vitamins are not just “health supplements,” as is often believed. They are micronutrients that affect immunity, heart and brain function, hormonal stability, and even psycho-emotional state. Vitamin deficiencies can develop over years — without obvious symptoms, but with a cumulative effect that ultimately manifests itself in serious disorders.

How does vitamin deficiency develop?

Vitamin deficiencies usually develop gradually. The causes are various:

• Irregular or unbalanced diet;

• Malabsorption in the gastrointestinal tract (celiac disease, gastritis, chronic diarrhea);

• High body needs (pregnancy, breastfeeding, growth periods);

• Chronic stress or long-term medication use;

• Vegetarianism/veganism without monitoring B12, D, and iron levels.

The most common symptoms of deficiency

Vitamin deficiency has many manifestations, often non-specific. Below are examples that may indicate a lack of a particular vitamin:

Each of the symptoms may have other causes, so self-diagnosis is risky. The most accurate method is blood test for vitamin status.

Laboratory diagnosis of deficiency

Now you can take a separate analysis for the level:

• vitamin D (25(OH)D) — the most common deficiency in our climate;

• vitamin B12, folic acid (B9) — important for the nervous system and hematopoiesis;

• vitamin A, E — fat-soluble antioxidants;

• vitamin C — for immunity and blood vessels;

• homocysteine — an auxiliary marker of B-group deficiency.

Comprehensive panels are a convenient option if symptoms do not point to one specific vitamin.

Who is at risk?

• People after 45 years of age (absorption worsens);

• Those who follow strict diets or fast constantly;

• Individuals with autoimmune diseases or chronic stomach problems;

• Vegans (especially those without vitamin B12);

• People who rarely go out in the sun (D deficiency);

• Women during pregnancy or lactation;

• Teenagers during a period of active growth.

Prevention: How to Avoid Deficiency

1. Eat a varied diet: seasonal vegetables and fruits, whole grains, proteins, fats — everything is important.

2. Don't eliminate fats completely — fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) are not absorbed without them.

3. Check your vitamin levels regularly, especially in winter.

4. Don't take vitamins blindly.“ — excess can be toxic.

5. Consult a doctor or dietitian, before starting a course of supplements.

What if there is already a shortage?

Treatment depends on the type of deficiency:

• Vitamin D — capsules or drops in a dosage of 2000–4000 IU/day (after analysis);

• B12 — injections or sublingual tablets;

• Iron and folic acid — only under the supervision of a doctor;

• C-containers and multivitamins — for mild deficiency or prevention.

Why is it important not to ignore symptoms?

Vitamin deficiency is not limited to a bad mood or appearance. It can cause:

• anemia;

• menstrual cycle disorders;

• bone loss;

• depressive disorders;

• decreased cognitive functions;

• in children - growth and development delay.

Vitamin balance is like a clockwork mechanism. One missing part and the whole mechanism breaks down. A healthy diet, symptom control, and regular diagnostics are a simple recipe to prevent serious problems.

Author: Ulyana Anatolyivna Dzyuba

Director of Medi Lab Plus LLC, a doctor of the highest category. Has over 45 years of practical experience in medicine and laboratory diagnostics. Founder and head of the laboratory since 2007. More details…