Poor diet, underlying conditions or inability to absorb vitamins may lead to health problems such as B12-deficiency anemia or vitamin D deficiency. If you suspect you have a vitamin deficiency, consult your doctor to determine the cause and discuss treatment options, such as supplementation.
Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D aids in calcium absorption and plays an important role in the body's control of calcium and phosphate levels and the maintenance of strong bones. You absorb vitamin D from food and sunlight exposure. People who live in Northern climates or work indoors during the day may not get enough sunlight. Vegetarians and those who are lactose intolerant may not get enough vitamin D in their diets. Breastfed infants may be vulnerable to vitamin D deficiency, as well.
Vitamin D Deficiency Symptoms
In infants and children, vitamin D deficiency can lead to a condition called rickets, which weakens the bones. Symptoms include bone pain or tenderness, dental deformities, impaired growth, muscle cramps, stunted height and skeletal deformities. In adults, vitamin D deficiency can lead to a condition called osteomalacia, which causes muscular weakness and weak bones.
Vitamin B12 Deficiency
Vitamin B12 deficiency can lead to a lack of healthy red blood cells, a condition called vitamin B12-deficiency anemia. Your body needs sufficient red blood cells to transport oxygen to tissues. B12 deficiency often occurs in vegetarians and infants with poor diets or whose mothers had poor diets during pregnancy. Some health and lifestyle conditions may hinder B12 absorption. Among them are alcoholism, Crohn's disease, celiac disease, tapeworm infections and pernicious anemia.
Vitamin B12-Deficiency Symptoms
Symptoms of B12-deficiency anemia include fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, difficulty concentrating, lack of appetite, diarrhea, pale skin and swollen tongue. Extreme or prolonged B12 deficiency can cause nerve damage, leading to confusion, dementia, depression, loss of balance and numbness in hands or feet.
Food Sources of Vitamin D and B
Food sources of vitamin D include fortified milk, eggs, fish and cod liver oil. Food sources of vitamin B12 include animal-based products such as red meat, poultry, shellfish, eggs and milk and other dairy products.
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