By Dr. Rajesh Kumar Meena
Vitamin
Deficiencies in Adults: Causes, Symptoms, and Fixes
By Dr. Rajesh Kumar Meena, Senior Consultant –
Internal Medicine, Diabetes & Metabolic Disorders, Endocrinology, Moolchand
Vitamin deficiencies are more common than many
adults realize, even among those who consider themselves healthy. In fact, in
India studies report that up to 67 % of people have low vitamin D level and a
large proportion of the population is deficient in vitamin B 12 as well Poor
diet, chronic illnesses, and lifestyle factors can all lead to vitamin
shortfalls that affect energy levels, immunity, and overall health. At
Moolchand, one of the top hospitals in Delhi, our superb physicians focus on
early detection, use cutting-edge technology, and provide compassionate care to
address vitamin deficiencies before they cause serious complications.
Common
Causes of Vitamin Deficiencies
Poor
Diet: Skipping meals or relying on processed/junk
foods can result in inadequate intake of essential vitamins (like A, B 12,
D, and C).
Digestive
Disorders: Conditions that impair nutrient
absorption – such as celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, or
chronic diarrhea – can lead to deficiencies.
Chronic
Illnesses & Medications: Certain long-term illnesses or
medications can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb or use
vitamins. For example, prolonged use of some antacids can reduce vitamin B
12 absorption.
Lifestyle
Factors: Limited sun exposure (leading to low
vitamin D), smoking, excessive alcohol use, and chronic stress can all
contribute to nutrient depletion.
Symptoms to
Watch Out For
Vitamin deficiencies often develop subtly.
Common signs include:
Fatigue
and low energy
Generalized
weakness or muscle cramps
Hair
loss or brittle nails
Poor
wound healing
Mood
changes (such as persistent irritability or low mood)
Frequent
infections (due to lowered immunity)
Numbness
or tingling in the hands and feet (a possible sign of B 12 deficiency
If you notice these symptoms persisting, it’s
important to consult a doctor physician for an evaluation. Simple blood tests
can identify vitamin deficiencies, allowing for timely treatment.
How to Fix
Vitamin Deficiencies
Dr. Rajesh Kumar Meena recommends a
combination of dietary changes, supplements, and lifestyle adjustments to
correct common vitamin deficiencies:
Eat a
Balanced Diet: Emphasize natural sources of vitamins.
Eat plenty of leafy green vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, whole grains,
and lean proteins.
Consider
Supplements if Needed: If diet alone isn’t providing enough,
you may need supplements for nutrients like vitamin D, vitamin B 12, or
iron. Always take these under a physician’s guidance – avoid self-prescribing
high-dose vitamins, since taking excessive amounts can be harmful.
Improve
Absorption: Help your body absorb nutrients better
with a few strategies. For example, pair iron-rich foods with vitamin
C-rich foods in the same meal (vitamin C significantly boosts iron
absorption) Also, avoid excessive alcohol or caffeine around meal times,
as they can hinder the absorption of certain vitamins and minerals.
Regular
Monitoring: Get periodic blood tests to track your
vitamin levels – this is especially important for adults over 40 or those
with chronic illnesses. At Moolchand, we use cutting-edge technology for
accurate testing and diagnosis, ensuring that any deficiencies are
identified and addressed safely and effectively.
When to See
a Doctor
Seek expert care if you experience persistent
fatigue, unexplained hair loss, numbness/tingling, or other ongoing symptoms
that could suggest a vitamin deficiency. At Moolchand – a trusted Delhi
hospital and one of the most reliable private hospitals in the city – our
superb physicians provide compassionate care with integrity and at affordable
prices, designing treatment plans tailored to your needs.
Why Choose
Moolchand for Nutritional Care?
Superb
physicians: Experts like Dr. Rajesh Kumar Meena, who
has extensive experience in digestive and nutritional health.
Cutting-edge
technology: Accurate blood tests and advanced
diagnostics to pinpoint deficiencies.
Compassionate
care: Patient-centered approach to support and
educate you during treatment.
Integrity: Every
treatment plan is evidence-based and transparent.
Affordable
pricing: World-class care at prices that make it
accessible to you.
Moolchand is recognized as one of the best
hospitals in India, offering expert guidance for digestive health, correction
of nutritional deficiencies, and preventive care for our patients.
Conclusion
Vitamin deficiencies can silently impact your
health, but with early detection, simple diet adjustments, supplements (if
needed), and expert guidance, they are highly manageable and often reversible.
Identifying a deficiency and treating it in time can restore your energy,
strengthen your immunity, and improve your overall well-being.
Book
a consultation today at Moolchand, your trusted Delhi hospital, with Dr. Rajesh
Kumar Meena, and ensure your body gets the nutrients it needs to thrive.