16/10/2025
VITAMIN & MINERAL DEFICIENCIES
Vitamins and minerals are essential micronutrients required for metabolism, growth, immunity, and cellular repair. Their deficiency causes systemic disorders, often linked to malnutrition, chronic illness, or malabsorption.
VITAMINS
Vitamin A (Retinol)
Role: Vision, epithelial health, immunity Deficiency: Night blindness, xerophthalmia Sources: Carrots, liver, dairy
Vitamin B₁ (Thiamine) Role: Carbohydrate metabolism, nerve conduction Deficiency: Beriberi, Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome Sources: Whole grains, pork
Vitamin B₂ (Riboflavin) Role: Energy metabolism Deficiency: Cheilosis, glossitis, sore throat Sources: Milk, eggs, greens
Vitamin B3 (Niacin) Role: NAD/NADP synthesis Deficiency: Pellagra (dermatitis, diarrhea, dementia) Sources: Meat, fish, nuts
Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic acid) Role: Coenzyme A formation Deficiency: Fatigue, numbness Sources: Eggs, legumes
Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine) Role: Amino acid metabolism Deficiency: Anemia, irritability, neuropathy Sources: Fish, bananas
Vitamin B7 (Biotin)
Role: Fat metabolism, hair/nail health
Deficiency: Hair loss, dermatitis Sources: Egg yolk, nuts
Vitamin B9 (Folate) Role: DNA synthesis, RBC maturation Deficiency: Megaloblastic anemia, neural tube defects Sources: Leafy greens, citrus
Vitamin B12 (Cobalamin)
Role: Myelin and DNA synthesis
Deficiency: Pernicious anemia, neuropathy Sources: Meat, dairy, eggs
Vitamin C (Ascorbic acid)
Role: Collagen synthesis, antioxidant Deficiency: Scurvy, poor healing Sources: Citrus, tomatoes
Vitamin D (Calciferol) Role: Calcium absorption, bone health Deficiency: Rickets, osteomalacia Sources: Sunlight, fish oils
Vitamin E (Tocopherol) Role: Antioxidant, cell protection Deficiency: Neuromuscular disorders Sources: Nuts, vegetable oils
Vitamin K
Role: Blood clotting factor synthesis Deficiency: Bleeding tendency Sources: Leafy greens, gut flora
MINERALS
1. Calcium: Bone strength, nerve conduction | Deficiency: Osteoporosis
2. Iron: Hemoglobin synthesis | Deficiency: Microcytic anemia
3. Magnesium: Enzyme function | Deficiency: Muscle cramps, arrhythmia
5. Phosphorus: ATP, bone mineralization | Deficiency: Bone pain
6. Potassium: Muscle & nerve activity | Deficiency: Weakness, arrhythmias
7. Sodium: Fluid balance | Deficiency: Hyponatremia, confusion
8. Zinc: Growth, wound healing | Deficiency: Hair loss, delayed healing
9.lodine: Thyroid hormone synthesis | Deficiency: Goiter, hypothyroidism
10. Selenium: Antioxidant enzyme | Deficiency: Weakness, cardiomyopathy
Fluoride: Enamel strength | Deficiency: Dental caries