Vitamins Deficiency in Women: Alarming Symptoms!

Studies have shown that a woman’s nutrient intake is highly dependent on not only her diet, but factors like the economic status, age, social and cultural environment, personal habits, level of activity and genetics. Experts believe that some of the most common (although certain other deficiencies are still possible and somewhat common) vitamins deficiency in women include those in:

• iron
• vitamin B12
• vitamin D
• calcium
• magnesium
• omega-3s
• iodine
• folate

Here are some common signs of a vitamins deficiency in women may include:

• Hair loss
• Mild cognitive impairment, such as changes in memory, concentration, thinking or behavior
• Weakness
• Headaches
• Low libido
• Pale and dry skin
• Red, swollen gums
• Heart arrhythmia or irregular heartbeats
• Slow wound healing, yellowing of the skin and bruising
• Impaired immune function
• Mood changes
• Bone and joint pains
• Dry eyes and vision changes
• In severe cases, vitamin deficiency diseases such as scurvy, rickets, beriberi and pellagra (caused by very low vitamin C, vitamin D and B vitamin levels)

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So, what are some common vitamins deficiency that women have?

• Iron
• Vitamin B12
• Vitamin D
• Calcium
• Folate
• Potassium 
• Iodine
• Magnesium
• Omega 3 Fish Oils 

You are more likely to experience vitamins deficiency if any of these conditions apply to you:

• eating a highly processed diet (one low in things like fresh vegetables and fruit)
• being a vegetarian or vegan
• being underweight or consuming too little calories in general 
• being of reproductive age group
• being over the age of 65
• being low in socioeconomic status, a lack of education and poverty
• consuming high amounts of alcohol
• taking certain medications for an extended period of time having a condition that interferes with normal nutrient absorption in the gut

Here are some special conditions that make a woman a good candidate for taking a high-quality, food-based multivitamin supplement daily to prevent common deficiencies:

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• If you are a vegetarian or vegan: Plant based eaters who avoid meat are very likely to be low in B vitamins, such as vitamin B12, which is only found in animal foods. 
• If you are pregnant: Pregnancy creates a special metabolic demand for high-quality nutrients more than any other time in a woman's life, both to support the growing baby and the mother. 
• If you are over the age of 55: B vitamins, vitamin D, calcium and iron are really important during aging. Consuming plenty natural food sources of these nutrients such as leafy greens, cage free eggs, grass fed meat and organic or unsweetened dairy products (ideally those that are raw) can help prevent deficiencies that raise the risk for problems such as bone loss called osteoporosis, fractures, heart problems, diabetes and cognitive decline.

You have the best protection against nutrient deficiencies if you eat enough calories in general, avoid crash or are on a diet, do not overexert yourself or start overtraining, and if you focus on eating a varied diet that is low in “empty calories.”

This means that you avoid things like added sugar, refined grain products, packaged snacks and most refined vegetable oils. Try to get the most by making your calories count, eating plenty of fresh plant foods, clean protein foods and healthy fats. Explore Gytree’s expert curated nutrition packages to get a personalised guidance.

Preventing nutritional and vitamins deficiency during pregnancy and when lactating helps:

• Maintains the health during pregnancy 
• Lowers the risk of having a difficult pregnancy
• Prevents birth defects in the fetus or infant
• Helps to lower the risk for certain chronic diseases developing later on in the child’s life
• Breast milk production is also highly influenced by a woman’s calorie, vitamin and mineral intake, which is why supplements are considered crucial for both pregnant and lactating mothers 

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Sometimes vitamins deficiency are just a matter of a diet in need of a boost or maybe a time of extra stress. But they can also signal something more serious going on.

For example, a deficiency in vitamin B12 can be a sign of something called pernicious anemia, which is the loss of the stomach cells that make an intrinsic factor. This can be caused by the destruction of those cells by the body’s own immune system. Left untreated this can result in permanent damage to nerves and organs and raises the risk of stomach cancer.

Similarly, low magnesium can be a sign of celiac disease, diabetes, and more unusually something called Hungry Bone Syndrome where bone loss is accelerated, usually related to a parathyroid hormone imbalance.

While you should be getting the vitamins, minerals, and nutrients you need through your diet, it is possible to miss out on getting enough of what your body needs. A healthy diet is the first step, but if you are still not getting the right vitamins and nutrients, talk to your doctor. They may recommend taking supplements or have recommendations on how to adjust your diet.