Vitamin deficiency: why vitamin deficiency is more than just seasonal weakness

Do you wake up tired even though you slept for 8 hours? Your skin is dry, your lips are chapped, and your mood is at zero? If this sounds familiar, it may not be just stress or lack of rest. It's very likely that your body is simply not getting the vital micronutrients it needs. And it's not just mild fatigue.
Avitaminosis is a deep systemic disorder, when the lack of one or more vitamins disrupts the normal functioning of the body: from the skin and hair to the heart, immunity and nervous system. And often we start treating the symptom instead of finding the real cause - vitamin deficiency.

What is avitaminosis and how does it differ from hypovitaminosis?

Avitaminosis is a condition complete or critical absence of a certain vitamin in the body. While hypovitaminosis means only a decrease in the concentration of the vitamin, avitaminosis disrupts important biochemical processes, causing clinically noticeable and potentially dangerous disorders.

Unlike acute infection, vitamin deficiency develops gradually, so it is often ignored. But over time it can cause:

• chronic fatigue

• immunodeficiency

• vision impairment

• heart rhythm disorder

• cognitive decline

• anemia

• bleeding and cramps

Causes of vitamin deficiency

External (exogenous) causes:

• poor-quality, monotonous or limited nutrition

• food processing that destroys vitamins (overcooking, prolonged cooking)

• lack of sunlight (vitamin D)

• abuse of alcohol, caffeine, fast food

• veganism without vitamin B12 supplements

Internal (endogenous) causes:

• intestinal malabsorption (celiac disease, short bowel syndrome)

• chronic diseases of the liver, kidneys, pancreas

• pregnancy, lactation, rapid growth

• long-term use of medications that block the absorption of vitamins (antibiotics, antacids, diuretics)

How to find out which vitamin you are lacking

Signs of vitamin deficiency can range from cracked lips to loss of coordination. Below is a table of the most common forms of vitamin deficiency:

Diagnosis of vitamin deficiency

Detection of vitamin deficiency includes:

• complaint analysis and review

• laboratory tests for vitamin levels in the blood (e.g., 25(OH)D, B12, folic acid)

• determination of the activity of enzymes dependent on certain vitamins

• diet and lifestyle analysis

• if necessary - gastroscopy, intestinal microflora study

Vitamin deficiency in different age groups

In children Most often, a deficiency of vitamins D, A, and C is detected. It manifests itself in the form of rickets, impaired tooth formation, frequent infections, and growth retardation.
In the elderly Deficiencies of B12 (due to reduced stomach acidity), D (due to less sunlight) and K (when taking anticoagulants) often occur.

Prevention and treatment of vitamin deficiency

Treatment includes:

• nutritional correction - introduction of vegetables, proteins, cereals, fish

• prescribing vitamins in therapeutic doses (orally or by injection)

• elimination of the cause of malabsorption (gastrointestinal diseases)

• control of concomitant conditions (anemia, osteoporosis)

Prevention:

• regular and varied nutrition

• seasonal intake of multivitamins (after consulting a doctor)

• checking vitamin D levels every winter

• using food processing that preserves micronutrients: stewing, baking, eating raw vegetables

Vitamin deficiency is not just a seasonal problem, but a marker of deeper disorders in nutrition or nutrient absorption. The earlier the deficiency is detected and corrected, the less damage will be done to the body. If you notice several symptoms, seeing a doctor and having basic laboratory tests done can be the first step towards restoring vitality, strong immunity, and clear concentration.