5 Unusual Signs That You Might Be Vitamin Deficient

2. Cracks In The Corner Of Mouth

In dry weather, we’re all at risk of getting small dry areas of skin on our bodies, but if you’ve noticed that you have persistent cracking in the corner of your mouth it might be something more. These cracks are often the cause of an iron, zinc or B vitamin deficiency, in particular niacin (B3), riboflavin (B2) and vitamin B12. This kind of deficiency is common in vegetarians, but it’s also regularly seen in those skimping on protein due to dieting.

In order to get rid of those cracks, and generally feel better, get more protein in the form of poultry, salmon, tuna, eggs and more. You can also eat more sun-dried tomatoes, tahini, peanuts and lentils. Remember that for iron, absorption is improved by vitamin C, so eat those foods with broccoli, kale, cauliflower and similar high vitamin C veggies and fruits.

3. Tingling And Numbness In Hands And Feet

It can be a bit off-putting to experience tingling, prickling or general numbness in your hands, feet, or elsewhere. However, this is a common complaint in people who aren’t getting enough B vitamins like folate (B9) as well as B6 and B12. It’s related to the ‘peripheral nerves’ that end near the skin, and can be easily treated if you know what to eat.

Make sure you add foods like spinach, asparagus, beets, beans (particularly black, lime, pinto and kidney), eggs, mussels, clams, oysters and poultry.

4. Red/White Acne-Like Bumps

Our skin is full of small imperfections, but if you’ve noticed that you’re getting small red or white bumps, that look like acne, on your cheeks, arms, thighs and bottom, there might be something more going on. These little bumps are caused by a lack of essentially fatty acids, along with vitamin A and vitamin D. Popular thinking drives people away from fat in general, while the truth is we actually need those healthy fats to survive.

Improve the bumps by eating less saturated and trans fats, and focusing more on healthy fats from salmon, sardines, nuts and seeds (like flax, hemp and chia). To improve the vitamin A deficiency, you’ll want to add lots of leafy greens and colourful vegetables like carrots, sweet potatoes and capsicums. For vitamin D, a deficiency often means you’ll need a supplement, so this is worth chatting to your doctor about.

5. Painful Muscle Cramps

Depending on the level of activity that you do in your day-to-day life, it’s likely that at some point, you’ll suffer from muscle cramps. But if you’re having very painful cramps that feel like a stabbing pain in your calves, backs of your legs, toes and feet arches, your body might be trying to tell you something. Calcium, magnesium and potassium deficiencies all cause these muscle cramps, and regular cramping is a sure sign of a vitamin deficiency.

To remedy the muscle cramps, work to eat more almonds, hazelnuts, cherries, apples, bananas, grapefruit, boc choy and broccoli, as well as lot of the darker leafy greens like kale and spinach.

Has your body been trying to tell you something?

If you become concerned about any symptoms, please seek immediate medical attention we have some hotlines and suggested websites for further information and advice https://www.stayathomemum.com.au/my-kids/babies/important-hotlines-websites/

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