Nutrient Deficiency: Causes and Treatment

In case of a nutrient deficiency, the body is not sufficiently supplied with vitamins and minerals. We reveal causes, symptoms and what helps against it.

What is a nutrient deficiency?

If you have a nutrient deficiency, it means that the body is not sufficiently supplied with essential and supporting nutrients. As a result, the body can no longer work optimally and various symptoms can occur, such as tiredness or cracked corners of the mouth. A nutrient deficiency has various causes – only when these are eliminated do the symptoms subside again.

Macro and micro nutrients: Helpers of the body

The nutrients we need can be divided into so-called macronutrients and micronutrients. This is how they are distinguished:

• Macronutrients: Macronutrients provide our body with energy that the body needs to maintain its basic functions. The suppliers include fats, proteins and carbohydrates.
• Micronutrients: They regulate physical processes such as the immune system and metabolism. We absorb micronutrients from vitamins, trace elements and minerals, for example.

Symptoms of the most common nutrient deficiencies

A deficiency of nutrients is manifested by many different symptoms. Since these can be very unspecific, it is not always easy to identify the nutrient deficiency as the cause. Depending on which nutrient is missing, health is affected differently.

Symptoms of iron deficiency

Iron is a trace element that helps the red blood cells to transport oxygen to the cells. Iron deficiency is widespread – women in particular often suffer from it, as they excrete the nutrient in greater quantities with their periods. The following complaints indicate an iron deficiency:

• Concentration disorders
• Tiredness
• Pallor
• Swindle
• Lassitude
• Headaches
• Hair Loss
• Brittle nails

Symptoms of magnesium deficiency

Magnesium is also an important mineral. Certain groups of people have an increased need for magnesium – these include athletes and pregnant women. There are various triggers for a magnesium deficiency. These symptoms indicate a deficiency of the nutrient:

• Insomnia
• Inner restlessness, nervousness
• Swindle
• Irritability
• Depressive disgruntlement
• Muscle cramps, especially calf cramps

Symptoms of protein deficiency

A protein deficiency occurs when we take in too little protein. It occurs as a result of malnutrition or in older people who can no longer manage to maintain a balanced diet. These symptoms indicate a protein deficiency:

• Muscle breakdown
• Weakened immune system
• Increased susceptibility to infection
• Lassitude
• Physical weakness
• Water retention

Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency

Vitamin-B12 supports the body in the production of red blood cells and the function of nerve cells and metabolism. Since the vitamin is mainly found in meat, vegetarians and vegans are often said to have a deficiency. The following complaints indicate a vitamin B12 deficiency:

• Concentration difficulties
• Pallor
• Anemia
• Tiredness
• Lassitude
• Tingling sensations up to numbness of the limbs
• Orientation difficulties
• Movement uncertainties

Symptoms of vitamin D3 deficiency

The body needs vitamin D3 for strong muscles and bones. However, it can only produce it itself when it is exposed to direct sunlight. Many people therefore suffer from a vitamin D3 deficiency in winter due to a lack of sunlight. However, children and infants as well as older people also suffer more frequently from this nutrient deficiency in summer. The following signs indicate this:

• Bone Pain
• Muscular weakness
• Osteoporosis
• Skeletal changes in children (e.g. provides bow legs)

Symptoms of folic acid deficiency

Folic acid is a B vitamin that the body needs for the formation and growth of new cells. Pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding in particular suffer more frequently from a folic acid deficiency. These symptoms speak for themselves:

• Feelings of weakness
• Lassitude
• Tingling to numbness in the limbs
• Irritability
• Depressive disgruntlement
• Diarrhoea

Symptoms of calcium deficiency

Calcium is an essential mineral that, among other things, ensures strong bones and teeth, supports muscle function and helps regulate the metabolism. The following signs indicate a calcium deficiency:

• Hair Loss
• Fragile nails
• Skin problems, for example eczema
• Muscle tremors up to muscle cramps
• Digestive disorders
• Heart and circulation problems
• Osteoporosis

The missing nutrient can be identified from a blood count.

Causes of nutrient deficiency

The causes for a lack of nutrients are as varied as the symptoms. The following triggers occur more frequently:

• Malnutrition: Above all, a one-sided diet often leads to a nutrient deficiency in industrialized countries. Especially highly processed foods and finished products, which contain a lot of wheat flour and sugar, are poor in nutrients.
• Diseases: Various diseases can cause nutrients to be no longer optimally absorbed. These include various chronic intestinal diseases.
• Medicines: Some drugs also prevent the proper absorption of nutrients.
• Increased nutrient requirements: Athletes, pregnant and breastfeeding women in particular have a generally increased need for nutrients.
• Psychological stress: Strong mental strains such as grief or separations can literally hit the stomach. Those affected suffer, for example, from loss of appetite or gastrointestinal complaints, which can promote a lack of nutrients.
• Consumption of stimulants: Anyone who consumes excessive amounts of coffee, sweets, nicotine and/or alcohol not only damages their health in general. The absorption of nutrients can also be affected.
• Old age: Many old people no longer manage to provide themselves with the best possible care. There can be various reasons for this, for example those affected rarely make it to the shops or are no longer able to cook for themselves.

Treatment: This helps with a nutrient deficiency

If there is a nutrient deficiency, the first step is to eliminate it. The best way to do this is to discuss with the doctor which method is suitable. For example, if the deficiency cannot only be compensated for by an adapted, varied diet or if it is very pronounced, in some cases supplementation of vitamins and minerals may also be useful. In principle, the following tips help to prevent a nutrient deficiency:

• Healthy nutrition: In this country in particular, nutrition is an essential adjustment screw so that we are optimally supplied with nutrients. For a balanced diet, we should eat lots of fruit and vegetables (preferably seasonal and regional), consume a lot of fibre (for example, through wholemeal products), and eat lots of fish and some lean dairy products. Sweets, fast food and convenience products should only be included in the menu in exceptional cases.
• Pay attention to increased nutrient requirements: Especially athletes, pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding should discuss their new nutritional requirements with their doctor and adjust their diet accordingly.
• Avoidance of stimulants: Smoking is best avoided as a matter of principle. However, other stimulants such as alcohol should not be consumed daily, but only in exceptional cases.
• Reduce stress: Anyone who is under a lot of stress in everyday life or is under a lot of pressure should definitely make sure to relax in their free time. Relaxation techniques such as autogenic training or breathing exercises can help here.

In the case of elderly people, relatives and possible carers should ensure that they do not fall into malnutrition. Only if they eat a balanced and healthy diet can they absorb all the minerals and vitamins they need.