Luckily, because of modern science, we do not fear death from vitamin deficiencies such as scurvy like back in the day or pellagra. Nowadays we moreover must fear illnesses because of excessive intake of nutrients such as fat and calories. If there is nutrient deficiency it is more likely a problem with absorption, rather than availability and intake. For example, Vitamin D we absorb great quantities through the sun. Hundreds of years ago when our ancestors were out working in the fields all day, vitamin D deficiencies were extremely rare. Vitamin D is a bit different than all the other essential nutrients because we actually do make it in our own bodies, but we have to have sunlight to manufacture it. Now that we are most often working inside jobs in some sort of office, not laboring outside, we observe Vitamin D deficiency much more readily.

In general, Americans have no problem receiving some nutrients in terms of fat and calories, it does not necessarily mean we are receiving an overabundance of the essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals. Because so much of what Americans consume is convenience processed foods, the natural wholesome nutrient content of these foods is low. Flour, milled and exported from the Midwest, processed to make the powder more sustainable and palatable. In this processing we eliminate the most nutritious dense parts of the wheat kernel – the germ and bran. This is where most of the nutrition, the B vitamins, protein and fiber, of wheat is encapsulated. What is left of the wheat kernel? You just have the endosperm which is what makes up the white carbohydrates. Because of medical technology, we can manufacture these missing vitamins and minerals we rape from the wheat kernel when we take out the bran and germ. We scientifically make the B vitamins and nutrients in the lab like we do for a supplement and add this back to the flour. Humans as scientists are not all-knowing however, and we have not discovered every nutrient hidden in foods such as phytochemicals. That is why eating wholesome foods is the best answer. But as Americans we rely very dependently on convenience processed foods which can lead to nutrient deficiency because it is a lot of man-made stuff, not natural wholesome goodness. What are some symptoms of nutrient deficiency? You should be aware of these to see if this is you:

• Thin brittle nails
• Weak thinning hair – which vitamin deficiency causes hair loss? And what mineral deficiency causes hair loss?
• Iron – iron is responsible for the DNA of hair which tells the body which color and kind of hair to make.
• Zinc – important for cell synthesis and division. This is a mineral deficiency that would contribute to hair loss.
• Linoleic Acid and Alpha-linoleic Acid – these essential nutrients are vital for hair growth.
• Niacin – this is which vitamin deficiency causes hair loss. Niacin is one of the B Vitamins, Vitamin B3. Alopecia is the condition in which hair falls out and it is most likely because of a lack of Vitamin B3.
• Biotin – Vitamin B7, is also which vitamin deficiency causes hair loss for this vitamin helps in the growth of healthy hair.
• Fatigue and lethargy
• Muscle deterioration
• Red or white bumps on skin
• Mouth ulcers, chapped lips or cracks in the corner of the mouth – Another water-soluble vitamin to be aware of is the chapped lips Vitamin deficiency and the cracks around the mouth vitamin deficiency – Vitamin B. This vitamin deficiency could include any or all of the lesions listed above. If you develop a large sore within your mouth and start freaking out that it could be herpes, take heed and consider your Vitamin B levels also. With the low carbohydrate diets popular today and all the processed foods we eat, Vitamin B deficiency is possible. People suffering with eating disorders experience vitamin deficiency symptoms as well – bulimia, anorexia nervosa and any disorder in between the two. Vitamin B deficiency will often present itself in the mouth as sores especially with the acidic environment a bulimic afflicts herself with along the gastrointestinal tract.
• Bleeding gums
• Poor night vision and growth on the eyes
• Scaly skin patches and dandruff
• Restless leg syndrome

You notice you have one of the symptoms above and were concerned in the first place; hence you are reading this article.

Is there a vitamin deficiency test? Yes! I recommend everyone do annual check-ups with your primary physician who will direct you to have your blood drawn for a complete reading of your blood profile. Scared of the needle? This really is the best way for a vitamin deficiency test but if you prefer you can even purchase an at home vitamin deficiency test collecting strands of hair.

Bruising easily vitamin deficiency points toward lack of vitamin C. It is rare these days to see this vitamin deficiency however it can happen as this is a vitamin that needs to be replenished daily through diet. It is water-soluble therefore dissolves in the water of your body and is excreted daily through your urine. If you are not receiving this daily preferably through food or a supplement then you may see this symptom of bruising easily, along with bleeding gums, rough bumpy skin, cork-screw shaped body hair, slowly healing wounds, spoon-shaped fingernails and dry damaged skin. What are our most prevalent sources of Vitamin C? Broccoli, strawberries, kiwi, cantaloupe, cauliflower, kale, papaya, oranges and other citrus fruit, with the citrus fruits leading the way. Citrus contributes seventy percent of your recommended daily allowance with only one serving. Now you can see why a glass of orange juice, just a mere one-half cup, is the standard breakfast beverage accompaniment. You start your day off, safeguarding against germs and viruses traveling in the air with this strong effective antioxidant.

If you are concerned that you have vitamin deficiencies, a general inexpensive iv therapy for vitamin deficiency is for you. This is ever increasing in popularity in methods of receiving vitamins and minerals that is certainly trending with the rich and famous. Energy levels are said to peek, and immunity is at its best with the surge of these nutrients intravenously infused directly into your system. “By directly administering nutrients to the body higher than normal blood levels can be achieved. These increased levels can provide an immediate therapeutic response by correcting deficiencies that may arise from a disease state.” (The Rothfield Center 2014) Even if you are taking multivitamins, you may be concerned you have a vitamin deficiency. We suggest you partake of this IV therapy regimen for receiving your vitamins instead. Absorption through oral supplements and the gastrointestinal tract can vary. Intravenously, it is a for sure thing; a no-brainer!