You can prevent a nutrient deficiency in various ways.
Nutrients are primarily divided into two categories. Your body needs large amounts of macronutrients. These include carbohydrates, proteins and fats. Micronutrients are vitamins and minerals. Here your body has a lower need.
If the body lacks certain minerals or vitamins that it needs to maintain important functions, a nutrient deficiency can arise.
Nutrients that the body needs
Carbohydrates are the body’s main source of energy. They are broken down into glucose, which is used by cells to produce energy. There are simple carbohydrates like sugar and complex carbohydrates like starches and fiber.
Proteins are important building blocks for the growth and repair of body cells. They are made up of amino acids, some of which are essential. This means your body cannot make them on its own and they must be obtained from food.
Fats
Fats serve as a concentrated source of energy and are necessary for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K).
Vitamins are organic compounds that your body needs to perform various functions. There are 13 essential vitamins, which can be divided into two categories: fat-soluble (A, D, E, and K) and water-soluble (B vitamins and vitamin C).
Minerals are inorganic elements that play a role in many bodily processes, including maintaining a normal heartbeat, regulating blood pressure, strengthening bones and supporting the immune system. There are many important minerals including calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium and zinc.
Causes of deficiency symptoms
The human body is able to produce some nutrients, such as vitamin D and vitamin K2, but most must be obtained from food.
The Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University has analyzed survey data (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003-2006) and summarized a detailed paper on micronutrient deficiencies in the US population, which can also be applied to other countries.
Nutrient deficiencies occur primarily for these reasons:
• Unhealthy Diet: An unbalanced diet that doesn’t provide enough of the nutrients your body needs is one of the most common causes of deficiency. This can be particularly problematic for people who eat mostly processed foods, as these are often deficient in important nutrients.
Diseases: Certain diseases can prevent the body from absorbing nutrients properly. Bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease affect the body’s ability to absorb nutrients from food.
• Lifestyle: Lifestyle also has an influence on possible deficiency symptoms. For example, excessive alcohol consumption can prevent the body from absorbing enough nutrients. If you do a lot of sport, your need for certain nutrients may be higher and therefore not covered by food. A meat-free diet is also included.
Identify the most common types of nutrient deficiencies
A lack of nutrients in your body can cause a variety of symptoms and affect your overall health. It is therefore important to recognize the signs of a nutrient deficiency in order to be able to take appropriate measures quickly. Symptoms of deficiency can range from physical changes to mental state changes and depend on the specific nutrient you are lacking.
• Iron is an essential nutrient that plays a key role in the production of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body. Iron deficiency can lead to anemia. Symptoms include tiredness, weakness and a pale complexion. A swollen or slippery tongue and brittle or deformed nails are also signs of iron deficiency.
