08/22/2025
Here’s a comprehensive guide to the warning signs of mineral deficiencies. Since minerals work in synergy, some symptoms may overlap, but each deficiency tends to have hallmark signals.
Macrominerals
1. Calcium
Muscle cramps or spasms
Brittle nails, weak bones (osteopenia/osteoporosis)
Numbness or tingling in fingers/toes
Tooth decay
Insomnia and irritability
2. Magnesium
Muscle twitches, cramps, or restless legs
Fatigue and weakness
Headaches or migraines
Anxiety, irritability, or depression
Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmias)
3. Potassium
Muscle weakness or paralysis
Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
Fatigue and confusion
Constipation
Tingling or numbness
4. Sodium
Nausea, headaches, or confusion
Muscle cramps
Fatigue or dizziness
Low blood pressure
Seizures (in severe deficiency)
5. Phosphorus
Weak muscles
Bone pain or fragile bones
Irritability, confusion
Fatigue
Poor appetite
6. Chloride
Muscle weakness, cramps, or spasms
Low energy
Dehydration-like symptoms
Low blood pressure
Imbalance in stomach acid (leading to poor digestion)
Trace Minerals
7. Iron
Fatigue and weakness
Pale skin
Brittle nails or spoon-shaped nails
Shortness of breath
Dizziness and headaches
8. Zinc
Slow wound healing
Loss of taste or smell
Hair loss
Frequent infections (weakened immunity)
White spots on nails
9. Copper
Anemia-like symptoms
Fatigue and weakness
Poor immune function
Premature gray hair
Neurological issues (tingling, unsteadiness)
10. Iodine
Goiter (enlarged thyroid)
Fatigue and sluggishness
Weight gain
Cold intolerance
Hair loss
11. Selenium
Muscle weakness
Brain fog and poor concentration
Thyroid dysfunction
Hair loss or brittle nails
Weakened immunity
12. Manganese
Poor bone health
Impaired wound healing
Joint pain
Dizziness or hearing problems
Growth issues (in children)
13. Chromium
Poor blood sugar control (insulin resistance)
Fatigue
Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
Cravings for sugar and carbs
14. Molybdenum
Rare deficiency, but may cause:
Headaches
Rapid heartbeat
Disorientation
Night blindness
15. Fluoride
Weak or decaying teeth
Increased risk of cavities
Bone weakness (rare in developed countries)
✅ Important Note:
Many of these symptoms can overlap with other health conditions, so mineral deficiencies should be confirmed with blood work or lab testing before supplementation.
Over-supplementing minerals can be as harmful as deficiencies.