Category: Deficiency

According to the World Health Organization, iron deficiency is the most common nutritional disorder worldwide, while calcium deficiency is a widespread issue, particularly among women and the elderly. So, what happens if there are deficiencies of calcium and iron in the body simultaneously? The combined effects can lead to significant health complications, impacting everything from bone strength to energy levels and cognitive function.

The human body can store a reserve of vitamin B12 in the liver for several years, which means a deficiency from poor dietary intake can take a long time to manifest. The simple answer to the question, 'Can not eating cause B12 deficiency?' is a resounding yes, although the process is often more complex than simple starvation.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, about 35% of adults in the United States have a vitamin D deficiency, a primary reason for weakened muscles. Identifying which vitamin deficiency leads to muscle weakness is crucial for addressing the root cause and restoring physical strength and well-being.

An estimated 250,000 to 500,000 children worldwide become blind every year due to vitamin A deficiency. This statistic highlights the devastating global impact of what happens in the absence of vitamin A, a vital micronutrient essential for numerous bodily functions.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, easy bruising and bleeding can be caused by deficiencies in vitamins C and K. This is a key reason why you get bruises when you don't eat, as the body lacks vital nutrients to maintain blood vessel strength and proper clotting.

According to the National Institutes of Health, a vitamin E deficiency is extremely rare in healthy individuals and typically results from underlying medical conditions. However, for those affected, not getting enough of vitamin E can lead to severe and progressive health issues, primarily impacting the nervous system, eyes, and immune function.

Vitamin B5, or pantothenic acid, is so named from the Greek word "pantou," meaning "from everywhere," because it is found in almost all foods. This widespread availability makes a deficiency extremely rare, but when it does occur, it can cause a range of serious health issues, including a specific disease known as "burning feet syndrome".

Frank vitamin E deficiency is extremely rare in healthy adults in developed nations, with one report noting that only about 0.1% of adults in the U.S. have clinically low levels. The primary cause is typically not insufficient dietary intake, but rather an underlying condition that disrupts the body's ability to absorb fat.

According to the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements, symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency can take several years to appear, often presenting as fatigue, weakness, and loss of appetite. A variety of nutritional deficiencies, particularly specific vitamins and minerals, can interfere with the body's hunger signals and digestive processes, leading to reduced or absent appetite.

According to the CDC, mandatory folic acid fortification in the United States has significantly reduced the prevalence of frank folate deficiency, yet certain populations remain at risk. A deficiency in this essential B vitamin (B9) can manifest as a wide array of physical and mental symptoms that can be easy to overlook, often developing gradually over time.