Vitamin deficiencies, also referred to as nutrient deficiencies, can stem from various causes, including chronic digestive illnesses, eating disorders and a low-nutrient dietary lifestyle. Since vitamins are vital to proper growth, function and wellness, vitamin deficiencies should be remedied with the guidance of a qualified doctor or nutritionist. Though healthy foods provide optimum sources of vitamins and other nutrients, supplements may be required for those unable to absorb or consume proper amounts of nutrients.
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Inflammatory bowel diseases, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease, are chronic diseases that cause inflammation in the digestive tract. Ulcerative colitis involves ulcers and inflammation in the large intestine lining, while Crohn's disease may affect all layers of the intestine.
According to the National Diseases Information Clearinghouse, nutrient deficiencies are common complications of IBDs, often caused by poor dietary lifestyle, depletion of protein in the intestines or poor absorption of vitamins and other nutrients. Medical and lifestyle treatments that reduce inflammation and other symptoms of IBDs can help reduce nutrient deficiency, though nutrient supplementation is often required.
Eating Disorders
Eating disorders, such as anorexia and bulimia, are serious psychological disorders characterized by obsession with weight loss, severe weight loss techniques, poor self esteem and distorted body image. People with anorexia practice severe calorie restriction, which often leads to vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Those with bulimia utilize harmful purging methods, such as vomiting and laxative abuse, which also frequently lead to nutrient deficiency. For this reason, the University of Maryland Medical Center suggests a nutrient-rich diet and nutritional supplementation for people recovering from bulimia as a means of preventing further complications, such as cognitive decline. In severe cases, the effects of nutrient deficiencies caused by eating disorders are irreversible.
Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is a chronic illness that causes harsh bodily reactions to the ingestion of gluten, a protein found in grains such as wheat, barley and rye. According to the American Dietetic Association, celiac disease affects roughly 1 percent of Americans, though risk for people with family history of the illness increases to one in 22. Symptoms of celiac disease vary, but often include abdominal bloating and cramping, severe or chronic diarrhea and nutrient malabsorption. If left untreated, vitamin and mineral deficiencies caused by celiac disease can lead to delayed growth and development in children, unhealthy weight loss and malnutrition. Once celiac disease is treated, primarily through a gluten-free dietary lifestyle, nutrient-related complications tend to dissipate. The ADA suggests that sufficient intake of certain nutrients, such as iron, calcium, fiber and B vitamins is particularly important for people with the disease.
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