A disorder that is caused by the deficiency of a vitamin. The deficiency may result from either suboptimal vitamin intake or conditions that prevent the vitamin's use or absorption in the body. Representative examples include beriberi caused by thiamine deficiency, scurvy caused by vitamin C deficiency, and rickets caused by vitamin D deficiency
Symptoms of Vitamin deficiency
The following features are indicative of Vitamin deficiency:
malaise
lethargy
pain in a gums
shortness of breath
bone pain
myalgias
skin changes with roughness
petechiae
gum disease
loosening of teeth
poor wound healing
emotional changes
bruising
hematomas
oozing of blood at surgical or puncture sites
stomach pains
risk of massive uncontrolled bleeding
cartilage calcification
severe malformation of developing bone
deposition of insoluble calcium salts in the walls of arteries
It is possible that Vitamin deficiency shows no physical symptoms and still is present in a patient.
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Common Causes of Vitamin deficiency
The following are the most common causes of Vitamin deficiency:
deficiency of vitamin C
insufficient dietary vitamin K1
insufficient dietary vitamin K2
insufficient dietary vitamin K1
insufficient dietary vitamin K2
Risk Factors for Vitamin deficiency
The following factors may increase the likelihood of Vitamin deficiency:
elderly age
alcoholics
smokers
mentally ill
people belonging to low socioeconomic status
people consuming restricted diets
Prevention of Vitamin deficiency
Yes, it may be possible to prevent Vitamin deficiency. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
taking diet including vitamin C-rich foods such as bell peppers, blackcurrants, broccoli, chili peppers, guava, kiwifruit, and parsley
Occurrence of Vitamin deficiency
Common Age Group
Vitamin deficiency can occur at any age.
Common Gender
Vitamin deficiency can occur in any gender.
Complications of Vitamin deficiency if untreated
Yes, Vitamin deficiency causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Vitamin deficiency is left untreated:
anemia
gum disease
skin hemorrhages
jaundice
generalized edema
oliguria
neuropathy
convulsions
can be fatal
osteoporosis
coronary heart disease
Medicines for Vitamin deficiency
Below is the list of medicines used for Vitamin deficiency:
The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Vitamin deficiency:
Take vitamin C-rich food: Food such as bell pepper, blackcurrant, broccoli, chili pepper, guava, kiwifruit, and parsley are rich in vitamin C, and help restore deficiency
Alternative Medicine for Treatment of Vitamin deficiency
The following alternate medicine and therapies are known to help in the treatment or management of Vitamin deficiency:
Use nutritional supplements: Ascorbic acid-containing supplement can prevent the scurvy