Is your body deficient in important micronutrients?

Your body needs certain vitamins and minerals to function at its best. If that requirement is not met, deficiency can lead to a number of health problems, which vary from person to person. This depends on the degree of deficiency. Here are five common signs of a deficiency in essential micronutrients that your body needs to function properly. Be very careful with your diet or talk to your doctor about supplements if you experience any of the following symptoms:

dry skin

Studies show that low vitamin D levels can increase the chances of dry skin. Vitamin D is produced by sun exposure of the skin and cholesterol in the skin. Many people experience dry skin in the winter due to lack of vitamin D due to limited sunlight exposure during the winter months. Talk to your doctor about taking supplements if needed to increase skin hydration.

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stomatitis

Mouth ulcers and cracks can be signs of iron deficiency. It can also be caused by inadequate intake of B vitamins. Make sure your diet is adequate to meet both of these nutrient requirements, and talk to your doctor about supplements if needed.

bleeding gums

Bleeding gums should not be ignored. These can be caused by a deficiency of vitamin C in the body. Vitamin C is necessary to promote wound healing and build general immunity in the body. Other signs of vitamin C deficiency include eastern bruises and frequent nosebleeds. Note that our bodies do not produce vitamin C on their own. Therefore, it is important to get this vitamin through diet or supplements as needed.

hair loss

It’s perfectly okay to lose a few hairs every day. However, if you suddenly notice clumps of hair falling off your pillow in the shower or after waking up, it could be due to a micronutrient deficiency. Key nutrients needed to stimulate hair growth and encourage regrowth include iron, biotin and zinc. For those unfamiliar, biotin is also known as vitamin B7.

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Should vitamins be taken with food?

Your body needs 13 vitamins to function properly. 9 of them are water soluble and 4 are fat soluble.

Water-soluble vitamins dissolve in water, so they can be absorbed without being taken with food. Fat-soluble vitamins, on the other hand, rely on fat for proper absorption. Therefore, it is generally recommended to take fat-soluble compounds with a meal containing fat.

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