What Are the Causes of Multiple Vitamin Deficiencies?

Maintaining a balanced diet is one of the most crucial components to health. Even so, vitamin deficiencies are not always the result of poor dietary habits. In some people, an underlying disease inhibits the absorption of essential dietary fats, sugars, proteins and vitamins. As a result, their bodies are starved of the nutrients they need to function and maintain health.

Celiac Disease

Celiac disease, an inherited autoimmune disorder that can develop at anytime in a person's life, affects approximately 3 million Americans, according to the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center. Those who have the disease experience adverse effects when they consume the common found protein gluten. As a result, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks and damages the lining of the small intestine, which hinders the absorption of necessary nutrients and ultimately leads to malnutrition.

Crohn's Disease

Most often arising in people ages 15 to 35, Crohn's disease is a disease that affects the intestines. Similar to celiac disease, Crohn's causes a false immune system response, which leads to damage of the digestive tract and, in some cases, multiple vitamin deficiencies. Different types of the disease exist, with varying degrees of severity.

Surgical Procedures

Some surgical procedures can affect the way your body breaks down and absorbs food and the calories and nutrients within those foods, which can lead to multiple vitamin deficiencies. Gastric bypass surgery -- a weight-loss surgery that changes the size of the stomach -- is among the procedures that can cause this effect. Gastrectomy and other procedures of the stomach might also lead to deficiencies.

Symptoms

The above are some examples of the potential causes of multiple vitamin deficiencies, but many more exist. People who have not been diagnosed with a condition should consult their doctor if they experience any of the following symptoms: unexplained weight loss, gas, bloating, muscle cramps, changes in bowel patterns, weakness or fatigue. A doctor can further evaluate your symptoms and determine the cause of your condition, which is an essential first step in the treatment of multiple vitamin deficiencies.