Do you feel tired, weak, or anxious? Do you have pale skin, dark circles under your eyes, or hair loss? These could all be signs of nutrient deficiencies, and unfortunately, these deficiencies are not commonly tested for during your yearly blood test run by your family medical doctor.
Concerns over nutrient deficiencies are one of the most common reasons why people seek the support of Naturopathic Doctors. Unfortunately, nutrient testing is not common practice on your yearly blood test run by your family medical doctor and so many people experiencing the signs and symptoms of many of the most common deficiencies aren’t getting the proper care needed.
There are many reasons why someone may experience nutrient deficiencies, here are a few:
1. Impaired digestion: People with digestive concerns such as Crohn’s and Colitis will often have lower levels of some nutrients, but we often see this with less severe conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), small intestinal bacterial/fungal overgrowth (SIBO/SIFO), and intestinal permeability or leaky gut. Similarly, if someone has had a form of weight loss surgery including banding or bypass, they will have a high risk of nutrient deficiencies and should be monitored closely.
2. Drug-induced: Many prescription drugs can interfere with the absorption of nutrients, but this is not often discussed at the time of prescribing or pick up at the pharmacy. One of the most commonly prescribed types of medications, proton pump inhibitors (PPI’s) for reflux can cause multiple deficiencies including vitamin B12, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium and iron. Another common medication type is statins, like Crestor and Lipitor, which can cause CoQ10 deficiency, as well as vitamin D, vitamin E and Beta-Carotene. There is a whole list of others such as antibiotics, corticosteroids, birth control pills, and more that can cause even more.
3. Genetics: There are DNA differences in genes that might affect the way your body absorbs and uses certain nutrients such as vitamin B12. Due to some differences such as methylation status (MTHFR), less of the nutrients are retained.
4. Diet: Certain diets have an increased risk of nutrient deficiency such as vegan and vegetarian. If you are not conscientious about the types of foods you’re consuming to ensure proper nutrient exposure, many people end up with a deficiency of vitamin B12, vitamin D and iron.
5. Autoimmune: Research has validated that increased intestinal permeability sets the stage for a specific environmental trigger. The trigger then causes a break in immunological tolerance and the onset of an autoimmune cascade.1 Increased intestinal permeability and immune dysregulation will lead to decreased nutrient absorption.
Signs and Symptoms of the Most Common Nutrient Deficiencies:
- Vitamin D:
- Symptoms: Fatigue, weakened immune system, bone and back pain, hair loss, muscle pain, depression, impaired wound healing. *We often see VERY low levels and suggest vitamin D injections to ensure levels are normalized effectively.
- Vitamin B12:
- Symptoms: Fatigue, weakness, pale or jaundiced skin, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, nerve problems like numbness or tingling.
- Iron:
- Symptoms: Fatigue, weakness, pale skin, dizziness, cold hands and feet, brittle nails, headaches, shortness of breath.
- Magnesium:
- Symptoms: Muscle cramps, tremors, irregular heartbeat, fatigue, irritability, insomnia, migraines.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
- Symptoms: Dry, itchy skin, brittle hair and nails, difficulty concentrating, joint pain, fatigue.
- Zinc:
- Symptoms: Loss of appetite, hair loss, slow wound healing, frequent infections, low immunity, diarrhea.
- Vitamin C:
- Symptoms: Easy bruising, slow wound healing, dry and splitting hair, gingivitis, frequent infections.
- Iodine:
- Symptoms: Weight gain, fatigue, sensitivity to cold, dry skin and hair, brittle nails, swelling in the neck (goiter).
- Vitamin A:
- Symptoms: Poor night vision, dry eyes, dry skin, frequent infections, slow wound healing.
- Calcium:
- Symptoms: Brittle bones, muscle cramps, numbness/tingling in extremities, weak nails, tooth decay.
Naturopathic Doctors can help you identify and address these deficiencies through targeted testing, dietary counselling, and lifestyle modifications. Whether you’re experiencing impaired digestion, drug-induced nutrient deficiencies, genetic differences, or simply following a diet that puts you at risk for nutrient deficiencies, there are effective solutions available.
Specifically, testing for deficiencies in vitamin D, vitamin B12, iron, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, vitamin C, iodine, vitamin A, and calcium can help you identify and address nutrient deficiencies that may be affecting your health. With the right support, you can overcome these deficiencies and experience improved energy levels, stronger immune function, and improved overall health.
Don’t wait any longer to take charge of your health. Call now to book an appointment with Dr. Danielle and start addressing your nutrient deficiencies today.
1. Fasano A. Leaky gut and autoimmune diseases. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol. 2012;42(1):71-78. doi:10.1007/s12016-011-8291-x.
