Maintaining a balanced diet sometimes feels like juggling with one hand tied behind your back. Whether you’re a busy professional, fitness buff, or simply want to be healthy, knowing how to spot the signs of vitamin and mineral deficiency is important.
Our board-certified integrative medicine specialist, Dr. Anita Petruzzelli, at BodyLogicMD, takes the mystery out of determining which vitamins and minerals you need to supplement.
Here are five telltale signs that might mean your diet needs a closer look.
It’s one thing to feel tired after a long day or a rigorous workout, but it’s another to experience persistent fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest.
Chronic fatigue can be a sign of iron deficiency (anemia), and it’s particularly common in women. Iron helps you make hemoglobin that carries oxygen to your tissues. Without enough iron, your body struggles to deliver oxygen, leading to exhaustion and weakness.
If you chug three cups of coffee before noon but still feel listless, you could be running low on B vitamins — particularly B12. The powerhouse Bs give you energy and stamina.
Do you notice more hair falling out or your nails breaking easier than usual? Your external appearance is often the first indicator of internal problems.
In this case, your body may be saying you’re not getting enough zinc, vitamin D, and biotin, also known as vitamin B7. While biotin deficiencies are rare, a low-protein diet could be the culprit.
Dry, scaly skin or a sudden onset of rashes can indicate a deficiency in essential fatty acids, vitamins D and B3 (niacin), or zinc. Essential fatty acids, such as omega-3s, keep your skin functioning as a barrier, while vitamins D and B3 support skin repair and health.
Experiencing frequent mouth ulcers or noticing your gums bleed easily when you brush or floss could be a red flag for nutritional deficiencies, particularly vitamin C and B vitamins like folate and B12.
Vitamin C is necessary for gum health and immune function, helping prevent infections and healing mouth sores. Similarly, adequate levels of B vitamins are essential for maintaining healthy mucous membranes in the mouth.
Are you feeling anxious, depressed, or irritable lately? It could be more about what’s on your plate (or not) than what’s on your agenda.
Deficiencies in vitamins D, B6, and B12 and omega-3 fatty acids can influence your mood and cognitive function. These nutrients are vital for producing neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which help regulate mood.
Poor night vision is a classic symptom of vitamin A deficiency.
You may notice Bitot’s spots, which are slightly raised, white areas on the surface of your eye. Vitamin A helps keep your cornea clear, and its antioxidant properties protect your eyes from free radicals.
Are you worried you might be lacking essential nutrients? If so, consider the SpectraCell micronutrient test at BodyLogicMD.
Dr. Petruzzelli uses this comprehensive test to analyze your body’s micronutrient levels, examining your white blood cells and 31 vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids.
Unlike traditional serum tests, the SpectraCell test measures how nutrients function within your cells over time, clearly showing your body’s deficiencies.
With this insight, she can tailor your diet and supplement intake to address your needs. If you need supplements, skip the supermarket shelves — we offer the highest-quality, nutraceutical-grade supplements from the most trusted manufacturers.
Take the guesswork out of your nutrient levels. Call BodyLogicMD in Glastonbury, Connecticut, or request an appointment online to schedule a SpectraCell micronutrient test.
