Vitamin Deficiency
Vitamins form a group of chemical organic compounds, which act as catalyst in the functioning of the human body. These are not responsible for any of the complex procedures such as energy generation or calorie production etc. However, these vitamins take part in the other metabolic activities of the body, so as to ensure that everything in the body is functioning properly.
The different types of vitamins are explained below:
Vitamin A: Also known as retinol, this vitamin is present in abundance in vegetables, eggs, whole milk, and liver. Its deficiency leads to dry skin and the more common night blindness.
Causes of vitamin A deficiency
The major cause of vitamin A deficiency is diets, which include very less animal sources of vitamin A. The breast milk of a lactating mother with deficiency of vitamin A contains very less vitamin A, which provides a breast-fed child with very less vitamin A.
In addition to dietary problems, there are some other causes of vitamin A deficiency also. A deficiency in iron can put a significant affect on the uptake of vitamin A. Excess alcohol consumption can lead to a depletion of vitamin A, and a stressed liver is also more susceptible to vitamin A deficiency. Also, people who take large amounts of alcohol should seek medical advice from a medical practitioner before taking vitamin A supplements.
The deficiency symptoms of vitamin A are acne, various allergies, appetite loss, blindness, cold, dry hair, sties in eyes, fatigue, insomnia (not able to sleep), impaired growth, itching and burning eyes, loss of smell, night blindness, dry skin, sinus trouble, steroid synthesis reduction; Decreased immune system function, cancer susceptibility. Vitamin A is also considered pretty essential for teeth and bones and protects against flu and cold.
Treatment of Vitamin A deficiency
For the treatment of vitamin A deficiency, both oral and injectable forms of medicine can be taken, most commonly as vitamin A palmitate.
As an oral form of medication, the supplementation of vitamin A is pretty effective if the case of lowering the risk of morbidity is considered, especially from measles, severe diarrhea, and all-cause mortality. Various countries in the world are aware of the problem of vitamin A deficiency and have included its deficiency as a public health problem and takes out periodic continuous measure to eradicate the same. The vitamin A supplements are available in capsule form with National Immunization Days (NIDs), for the eradication of polio or measles. The capsules for vitamin A deficiency cost about US$0.02 in the worldwide market. These capsules are very easy to handle and are not required to be stored in a vaccine carrier or refrigerator. Whenever the correct dosage of vitamin A is given, it is safe and has no negative effect on the rates of seroconversion for measles and Oral Polio. Because of the transient nature of the supplements of vitamin A, it should be seen that vitamin A is given regularly every four to six months. Because of the fact that NIDs provide only one dose per year, the distribution of vitamin A must be complemented by other national dose programs, so as to maintain vitamin A in children. The high supplementation of vitamin A in mothers is good for both mother and breast-fed infant.
Vitamin B Complex
B1: Also known as Thiamine, this vitamin is present in cereals, whole grain, bran, fruits, nuts, and vegetables. Constant practice of alcohol results in the deficiency of Vitamin B1. Tingling, shooting pain in the legs, loss of sensation, and numbness are the symptoms of the Vitamin B1 deficiency.
B2: Also known as Riboflavin, vitamin B2 is present in various foods such as eggs, liver, vegetables, and milk. Cracked lips, vision dimness, and mouth ulcers are the symptoms of deficiency of vitamin B2.
B3: Also, known as Niacin or nicotinic acid, vitamin B3 is available in fish, meat, whole grains, cereals, and vegetables. The deficiency of this vitamin could lead to diarrhea, burning sensation in the tongue, sores in the mouth, weight loss, and rough skin.
B6: Also known as Pyridoxine, vitamin B6, is present in a diet of bran, meat, and vegetables and bran. The deficiency of this vitamin results in nausea, sores in the mouth, dizziness, and depression.
B12: Also, known as Cyanocobalamine, this is supposed to be the common known of all the vitamin B types of vitamins. However, it is mostly find in meat, fish, and milk, which makes it a tough constituent for pure vegetarians. The symptoms of the deficiency of this vitamin are tingling, numbness, shortness of the breath, and weakness.
Various symptoms of vitamin B complex deficiency include are loss in appetite, acne, anemia, bad breath, high cholesterol, poor blood circulation, constipation, dark tongue color, depression, disturbances in digestive tract, fatigue, dry hair or hair falling out, hypertension, shortage of sleep (insomnia), pain in leg muscles, nervousness, and dry or rough skin.
Vitamin C: Also known as Ascorbic acid, this vitamin is found plentiful in citrus fruits and fresh vegetables. It is pretty uncommon for a human being to suffer from vitamin C deficiency; its deficiency is marked by infected or swollen gums, and bleeding into the skin, thereby leading to bruising. Some other good features of vitamin C are:
- Vitamin C is required for wound healing and provides the facilities for recovery from burns.
- Vitamin C also provides the facility for the absorption of iron.
- Severe deficiency of vitamin C results in scurvy, which is generally characterized by hemorrhages and abnormal dentin and bone formation.
- Vitamin C is an anti-oxidant organic compound but the benefits of supplements of vitamin C is a subject of much research but with very little proof.
In contrast to the above mentioned features, very high doses of vitamin C do acidifies the urine, may even result in diarrhea, promotes iron overload and predispose to urinary calculi. Gastrointestinal effects are cited as the most common opposite clinical events, which are associated with acute and high doses of vitamin C, given over a short time period.
Differential diagnosis
Differential diagnosis of vitamin C deficiency can be done by:
- Gingivitis
- Platelet dysfunction
- Clotting factor deficiencies
- Leukemia
- Senile purpura
Investigations
Vitamin C deficiency can be investigated by:
- A reduction in plasma ascorbic acid levels
- Significant presence of ascorbic acid levels in the white blood cell-platelet layer of centrifuged blood
- Positive results of capillary fragility test, with anemia being a common factor
- Normal times of coagulation, bleeding, and prothrombin
Prevention
The decrease in vitamin C levels can be prevented by averaging a daily intake of vitamin C of 40 mg/day for adults, with an increase in levels during pregnancy to 50 mg/day, and during lactation to 70 mg/day. However, the suggested upper limit for vitamin C supplements is 2 g/day.
Vitamin D: Also known as Calciferol, this vitamin is found plentiful ion foods like, egg yolks and fish. Sun rays are also an abundant source of vitamin D. Its deficiency is marked by characteristics like deformed spine and bowed legs.
Diagnosis of Vitamin D
Deficiency in vitamin D can diagnosed from an individual’s medical history, lifestyle, or symptoms. The deficiency of vitamin D can also be diagnosed from a general blood test. Also, the blood tests performed for liver and calcium function might depict some changes linked to a low level of vitamin D.
Treatment for Vitamin D deficiency
As obvious, taking vitamin D supplements is the ultimate cure of vitamin D deficiency. Ergocalciferol or Calciferol also forms the supplements of vitamin D. The dose of ergocalciferol is mentioned in units known as IU or international units. Some persons use microgrammes or μg instead and these are not the same as IU units.
Vitamin E: This vitamin is present in plenty in foods like cereals, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains. Commonly speaking, any cases of deficiency in this vitamin are not known.
Folic acid: This type of vitamin is essential for pregnant women and those taking frequent anticonvulsant drugs. For others, this vitamin is abundantly present in foods such as nuts, vegetables, liver, and whole wheat. Its deficiency is marked by various symptoms such as ulcers in the mouth, sore tongues, weakness, and numbness and tingling of fingers.
Vitamin K: If this vitamin is not taken in proper quantity, bleeding is the result.
Pantothenic acid: It is present in plenty in foods such as vegetables, potatoes, liver, and eggs. The deficiency of pantothenic acid produces symptoms such as headaches, fatigue and loss of coordination.
