A disorder that is caused by the deficiency of a vitamin. The deficiency may result from either suboptimal vitamin intake or conditions that prevent the vitamin's use or absorption in the body. Representative examples include beriberi caused by thiamine deficiency, scurvy caused by vitamin C deficiency, and rickets caused by vitamin D deficiency

Symptoms of Vitamin deficiency

The following features are indicative of Vitamin deficiency:
  • malaise
  • lethargy
  • pain in a gums
  • shortness of breath
  • bone pain
  • myalgias
  • skin changes with roughness
  • petechiae
  • gum disease
  • loosening of teeth
  • poor wound healing
  • emotional changes
  • bruising
  • hematomas
  • oozing of blood at surgical or puncture sites
  • stomach pains
  • risk of massive uncontrolled bleeding
  • cartilage calcification
  • severe malformation of developing bone
  • deposition of insoluble calcium salts in the walls of arteries
It is possible that Vitamin deficiency shows no physical symptoms and still is present in a patient.

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Common Causes of Vitamin deficiency

The following are the most common causes of Vitamin deficiency:
  • deficiency of vitamin C
  • insufficient dietary vitamin K1
  • insufficient dietary vitamin K2
  • insufficient dietary vitamin K1
  • insufficient dietary vitamin K2

Risk Factors for Vitamin deficiency

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Vitamin deficiency:
  • elderly age
  • alcoholics
  • smokers
  • mentally ill
  • people belonging to low socioeconomic status
  • people consuming restricted diets

Prevention of Vitamin deficiency

Yes, it may be possible to prevent Vitamin deficiency. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
  • taking diet including vitamin C-rich foods such as bell peppers, blackcurrants, broccoli, chili peppers, guava, kiwifruit, and parsley

Occurrence of Vitamin deficiency

Common Age Group

Vitamin deficiency can occur at any age.

Common Gender

Vitamin deficiency can occur in any gender.

Complications of Vitamin deficiency if untreated

Yes, Vitamin deficiency causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Vitamin deficiency is left untreated:
  • anemia
  • gum disease
  • skin hemorrhages
  • jaundice
  • generalized edema
  • oliguria
  • neuropathy
  • convulsions
  • can be fatal
  • osteoporosis
  • coronary heart disease

Medicines for Vitamin deficiency

Below is the list of medicines used for Vitamin deficiency:

Self-care for Vitamin deficiency

The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Vitamin deficiency:
  • Take vitamin C-rich food: Food such as bell pepper, blackcurrant, broccoli, chili pepper, guava, kiwifruit, and parsley are rich in vitamin C, and help restore deficiency

Alternative Medicine for Treatment of Vitamin deficiency

The following alternate medicine and therapies are known to help in the treatment or management of Vitamin deficiency:
  • Use nutritional supplements: Ascorbic acid-containing supplement can prevent the scurvy

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Vitamin deficiency.
B12 Deficiency
Vitamin A Deficiency
Keratomalacia
Xerophthalmia

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