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Physical
Signs of Severe Nutrient Deficiencies
Nutrient
Deficiencies can lead to very important health problems. Some conditions that
are caused by nutrient deficiencies are: edema (protein deficiency), rickets (vitamin
D deficiency), scurvy (vitamin C deficiency) and iron deficiency anemia. If
you believe that you are deficient in one or more nutrients, please consult your
doctor before changing your dietary habits and/or taking supplements. Your doctor
will be able to design a diet that is specific to your needs.
Appearance
of Body Part | Nutrient
Deficiencies | | General
appearance of apathy; muscle or tissue wasting; excessive irritability;
underweight, undersized, underdeveloped for age; paleness and loss of color of
the skin, nail beds, lips, or hair | protein,
calories, vitamin B I, vitamin B2, iron,
and zinc |
| Hair
that is dry, wiry, stiff, brittle, loss of color, or easily pulled out | protein,
zinc |
| Nails
that are spoon-shaped, brittle, ridged |
iron | | Skin
that cracks, flakes or scales; irregular pigmentation, fluid retention and edema;
dermatitis, small hemorrhages or bruises | protein,
essential fatty acid, vitamin A, vitamin K, vitamin C, niacin, vitamin B2, other
B vitamins, or iron |
| Eyes
that are small, circular, grayish or yellowish gray, dull, dry, or foamy irritations
on the surface of the eye, inflammation of the eyelids; softening or thickening
of the outer surface of the eye; loss of night vision or adaptation from dark
to light | high
blood fat levels, vitamin A, vitamin B2, or iron |
| Face
that has irritations at the corners of the mouth; greasy scaling around nose or
mouth | protein,
vitamin B2, iron | | Mouth
that is smooth, reddened, shiny, swollen, or dry tongue; swollen or bleeding gums;
excessive tooth decay; reduced taste sensation | excessive
sugar consumption, vitamin C, niacin, vitamin B2, folic acid, vitamin B 12, |
| Bones
that are bowlegged, enlarged joints, shortening of stature, rickets, osteoporosis |
protein,
vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin C, calcium,
magnesium, phosphorus |
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