you’ve got the option to develop a deficiency due to low vitamin intake or certain medical conditions.
They’re usually treated with vitamin supplements in either oral (by mouth) or injected forms.
While they can vary between deficiencies, many of them overlap.
Aleksandr Zubkov / Getty Images
Usually, noticeable effects don’t begin to develop until you’ve had low levels for several months.
Some research suggests that vitamin D deficiency is linked to fatigue and that takingvitamin D supplementscan improve this symptom.
It can also have a major impact on your metabolism and overall health.
Folate deficiency can lead to fatigue and weakness by causing anemia.
That oxygen is essential for proper function and energy.
Use caution with vitamin A (retinol) products, however.
High levels can actually harm your skin.
Depression
Vitamin deficiencies can sometimes be associated with clinical depression.
(Collagen gives strength to the walls of blood vessels.)
Poor Wound Healing
Poor wound healing means that your sores take especially long to heal.
A lot of essential vitamins contribute to the healing process.
It can hamper collagen synthesis and antioxidant activity and may worsen inflammation.
Research also suggests it may counter the benefits of vitamin A that’s taken to help with wound healing.
These include:
A vitamin A deficiency is particularly dangerous when it comes to infection risk.
Talk to your healthcare provider about the best ways to protect your bone health.
Vitamins are complex molecules present in fruit, vegetables, grains, meat, poultry, and seafood.
Dietary Risk Factors
Some diets can make you prone to vitamin deficiency.
So a gluten-free diet can make you deficient in many vitamins, including folate, and thiamine.
It is absolutely possible to avoid vitamin deficiency if you are vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free.
However, this does require careful planning.
Advice from a registered dietitian can help guide you.
Sunlight
Vitamin D is found in foods such as seafood, eggs, and dairy products.
This can lead to vitamin deficiencies.
Common medical causes of vitamin deficiency include:
What Is Pernicious Anemia?
This results in an insufficient amount of healthy red blood cells.
The diagnosis of vitamin deficiencies can take some time.
That is because it is not routine to test for vitamin levels.
Neuropathy is a condition in which nerve function is impaired.
In some instances, your vitamin levels may be measured with a blood test.
These tests can be uncomfortable, so they are done with an anesthetic medication.
Treatment of Vitamin Deficiency
Treatment for vitamin deficiency involves vitamin replacement.
You may also need help with creating a healthy meal plan.
Vitamin Replacement
There are several ways to ensure that you get adequate vitamins.
Vitamin supplements can be an option.
You may be given a recommendation for an over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription supplement.
Nutritional supplements aren’t safe for everyone.
Always talk to your healthcare provider about a supplement before you get going taking it.
Some illnesses, such as liver failure, may not be treatable at late stages.
Long-term injected vitamin supplementation may be necessary.
A Word From Verywell
A healthy and varied diet is an important part of good health.
Generally speaking, supplements are no substitute for good nutrition.
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