Recognizing Symptoms of Vitamin Deficiency

Vitamin deficiencies often develop slowly, with symptoms appearing long after the deficiency has begun. General symptoms include fatigue, dry skin and hair, depression, and irritability. However, specific deficiencies lead to unique symptoms based on each vitamin's function.

Overview of Vitamins in GetTested's Test

Vitamin A (Retinol)
Vitamin A is crucial for vision, supporting the immune system, and maintaining healthy skin. Deficiency, mainly due to inadequate diet or chronic diarrhoea, leads to night blindness, dry eyes, and skin, and in severe cases, infertility.

Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
This nutrient helps convert food into energy. A deficiency in Vitamin B3, often caused by a diet low in tryptophans, can result in skin rashes, diarrhoea, headaches, and depression.

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)
Vitamin B5 plays a key role in metabolizing fats and carbohydrates and producing red blood cells and hormones. Deficiency, rare but more common in alcoholics and those on oral contraceptives, can lead to insomnia, depression, and stomach pains.

Vitamin B7 (Biotin)
Essential for metabolizing carbohydrates, fats, and amino acids, biotin also strengthens hair and nails. A deficiency, which may occur in Crohn’s disease or Colitis, leads to thinning hair, skin rashes, and brittle nails.

Folate (Vitamin B9)
Folate is necessary for DNA synthesis and cell division, especially crucial during pregnancy. A lack of folic acid in the diet can result in fatigue, weakness, and neurological problems.

Cobalamin (Vitamin B12)
Cobalamin is vital for energy metabolism, red blood cell production, and DNA synthesis. Deficiency, common in those avoiding meat, eggs, or milk, causes tiredness, weakness, and lightheadedness.

Vitamin D3 (25OH)
This nutrient bolsters the immune system, aiding in calcium and phosphorus absorption for strong bones. Deficiency, primarily due to low sunlight exposure, can weaken bones and increase fracture risk.

Vitamin E (Alpha-Tocopherol)
Vitamin E acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells and tissues. Although rare, deficiency can damage nerves and muscles and weaken the immune system, usually due to an inadequate diet.

Coenzyme Q10
An antioxidant crucial for converting food into energy, Q10 deficiency, mostly due to genetic defects, can cause neurological issues.