Vitamin deficiency is commonly seen in many malnutrition diseases.
Table of Contents
hide
Vitamin A
The deficiency of vitamin A is relatively common in developing countries.
Symptoms and signs
- Night blindness
- Complete blindness
- Increased susceptibility to infections
- Lack of appetite
- Dry and rough skin and hair
- Poor wound healing
Treatment of vitamin deficiency
Eat foods rich in vitamin A in the diet.
- Animal liver is among the richest sources of vitamin A.
- Cod liver oil
- Sweet potato
- Carrots are rich in beta carotene
- Beans are an excellent source of plant-based protein and Vitamin A
- Spinach and Broccoli are other healthful sources of vitamin A
- Mangos are rich in antioxidants, dietary fibre and Vitamin A
- Pumpkin is rich in beta carotene.
- Tomatoes and tomato juice contain lutein and zeaxanthin, which benefit eye health also.
Vitamin B1
Causes
Alcoholism
Symptoms and signs
- Manifestation of beriberi; nervous system disorder
- Severe lethargy
- Fatigue
- Inability to derive energy
- Difficulty in walking
- Loss of muscle with muscle wasting
Treatment
- Administration of thiamine in the form of thiamine hydrochloride tablets or injections.
- B1-rich diet( like yeast and pork)
- Ayurvedic Medicines
Vitamin B2
Causes
Symptoms and signs
- Sore throat
- Swelling
- Redness of the mouth
- Cheilosis
- Angular stomatitis
- Glossitis
- Seborrheic dermatitis
Treatment
Foods rich in riboflavin, like meat, eggs, cheese, and yoghurt.
Vitamin B3
This vitamin deficiency, or niacin, leads to pellagra.
Causes
- Alterations of protein metabolism in the body
- A staple diet of maize.
Signs and symptoms
- Alopecia
- Ataxia
- Dementia
- Dermatitis
- Diarrhoea
- Insomnia
- Photosensitivity
- Weakness
Treatment
Niacin-rich foods in the diet like,
- Liver
- Chicken
- Tuna
- Turkey
- Salmon
- Peanuts
- Avocado
- Whole-wheat products, such as whole-wheat bread and pasta
- Mushrooms
- Green peas
- Potatoes
Complication
A person can die within four to five years of being diagnosed.
Vitamin B12
Causes
Pure vegetarian diet
Symptoms and signs
- Headaches resembling migraine attacks
- Megaloblastic anaemia.
- Memory loss
- Mouth sores
- Shortness of breath
- The tingling sensation of the tongue
- White spots on the skin
Treatment
- Diet constituting animal product food, if possible
- B12 supplement
- Ayurvedic Medicines
Vitamin C
This vitamin deficiency is seen in developing countries. It leads to scurvy.
Symptoms and signs
- Bleeding gums
- Delayed wound healing
- Increased susceptibility to infections
- Spots on skin
Treatment
Vitamin C can be obtained by eating fruits like oranges, lemon, amla, lime, and grapefruit.
Vitamin D
Causes
- Inadequate intake of calcium
- Inadequate sunlight exposure
Symptoms and signs
- Impaired bone formation
- Bone softening diseases like osteomalacia
- Osteoporosis in women
Treatment
- Diet high in calcium, like milk, yoghurt, Sardine, Canned Salmon, Beans and Lentils, Almonds, Whey Protein, and Leafy Green vegetables.
- Ayurvedic medicines