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How to identify a nutrient deficiency

Jul 22, 2015
Marsha McCulloch, RD | Delicious Living
Comments 7
  • 1backpain.png

    Symptom: Symmetric low-back pain.

    Possible deficiency: Vitamin D.

    Sun exposure generates less vitamin D in darker-skinned people and the elderly. Obesity increases the risk of vitamin D deficiency, too.

    What to eat: Salmon, egg yolks, vitamin D-fortified milk, and vitamin D-enhanced mushrooms.

    Supplement with: 6,000 IU vitamin D3 daily for eight weeks for deficiency, then 1,500−2,000 IU daily to maintain levels.

    Photo:
    Katie Eberts
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  • 2swollengums.png

    Symptom: Swollen and/or bleeding gums.

    Possible deficiency: Vitamin C.

    About 6 percent of U.S. adults are vitamin C deficient. Vitamin C's ability to shorten the common cold is strongest in those with a vitamin C deficiency or those who are under great physical stress, such as soldiers and marathoners.

    What to eat: Red peppers, citrus fruits, broccoli, tomatoes, and kiwifruit.

    Supplement with: 200 mg vitamin C daily for optimal health.

    Photo:
    Katie Eberts
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  • 3hyperthyroid.png

    Symptom: Goiter (swelling around neck) or hypothyroidism.

    Possible deficiency: Iodine.

    Especially at risk are pregnant women and those with hypertension who limit salt. Processed foods supply most salt intake, which is usually noniodized.

    What to eat: Seaweed, saltwater fish, eggs, dairy products.

    Supplement with: 150 mcg potassium iodide daily, or more if directed by your doctor and monitored.

    Photo:
    Katie Eberts
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  • 4boneloss.png

    Symptom: Angina (severe chest pain) or bone loss.

    Possible deficiency: Vitamin K2.

    Vitamin K2 directs calcium to bones, keeping them strong, and prevents calcium from accumulating in arteries, promoting flexibility.

    What to eat: Cheese, natto (fermented soy), grass-fed butter, liver.

    Supplement with: 120-240 mcg MK-7 daily; consult doctor if taking an anticoagulant drug.

    Photo:
    Katie Eberts
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  • 5numbness.png

    Symptom: Numbness or tingling in limbs.

    Possible deficiency: Vitamin B12.

    Most at risk for vitamin B12 deficiency are vegans, older adults, weight loss surgery patients, antacid users, and those taking metformin (a diabetes drug).

    What to eat: Fish, beef, yogurt, cheese, tempeh, nutritional yeast.

    Supplement with: 500-750 mcg each of methylcobalamin and adenosylcobalamin daily.

    Photo:
    Katie Eberts
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  • 6poorattention.png

    Symptom: Poor attention span or the craving to chew ice.

    Possible deficiency: Iron.

    Low stores of iron (ferritin) may contribute to attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Iron is needed to make the brain chemical dopamine, necessary for focus.

    What to eat: Lean beef, spinach, dark chocolate, cashews, fortified cereal.

    Supplement with: 12-60 mg daily for deficiency, based on age.

    Photo:
    Katie Eberts
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  • 7musclespasms.png

    Symptom: Muscle spasms or twitches.

    Possible deficiency: Magnesium.

    A majority of Americans don't get enough of this mineral. Shortfalls may increase risk of heart disease, diabetes, osteoporosis, and migraine headaches.

    What to eat: Nuts, seeds, legumes, spinach, oats, barley.

    Supplement with: 300-400 mcg chelated magnesium (such as magnesium glycinate, or other form of magnesium ending in "ate") daily.

    Photo:
    Katie Eberts
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  • 8miscarriages.png

    Symptom: Miscarriages or male infertility.

    Possible deficiency: Folate.

    The MTHFR gene directs processing of folate. A common mutation in this gene (C677T) may increase miscarriages and male infertility. Supplementing with methylated folate may help.

    What to eat: Dark green vegetables, legumes, asparagus, sunflower seeds.

    Supplement with: 400-600 mcg L-5-methyltetrahydrofolate daily for fertility, guided by a trained doctor (find one at mthfr.net)

    Photo:
    Katie Eberts
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  • 9poorappetite.png

    Symptom: Distorted taste or poor appetite.

    Possible deficiency: Zinc.

    Although blatant zinc deficiency is uncommon in the U.S., it's more likely in the elderly. Deficiency contributes to changes of aging, such as impaired immunity and increased inflammation.

    What to eat: Oysters, beef, turkey breast, sprouted watermelon seeds, pumpkin seeds, cashews.

    Supplement with: 15-25 mg chelated zinc (such as zinc glycinate) daily.

    Photo:
    Katie Eberts
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  • 10immunity.png

    Symptom: Poor immunity or muscle weakness.

    Possible deficiency: Vitamin E.

    Overt deficiency is uncommon, but more than 90 percent of Americans don't meet the dietary recommendations (RDA). Vitamin E intake above the RDA may improve immune function, especially in the elderly.

    What to eat: Certain unroasted nuts and nut oils, including almonds, peanuts, hazelnuts, and sunflower seeds.

    Supplement with: 200-800 mg mixed tocopherols daily to support immunity.

    Photo:
    Katie Eberts
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Discuss this Gallery 7

AmyK1
on Jul 22, 2015

As a registered dietitian, I knew most of these - but still learned some new things! Back pain and Vitamin D - who knew?!?!? Thanks for this awesome information!

carolv
on Jul 22, 2015

This was VERY interesting. It's nice to know there are specific things you can try if you are experiencing certain symptoms. Could save an un-necessary trip to the doctor.

happyjoylife
on Jul 22, 2015

I didn't know about Vitamin E being a common deficiency. Also, isn't cacao a good source of magnesium as well? With nuts, are phytonutrients a concern?

Totally
on Jul 23, 2015

Great overview of key foods to combat key nutrient deficiencies. Are there any other plant protein based options?

Rose Jost
on Jul 30, 2015

Thanks for sharing this post. It was worth reading. To avoid problems like inflammation,depression I take health supplements from California Naturna Health.

yvonnetcruz
on Aug 6, 2015

Very interesting article. I knew some but not others. Your magazine is always informative and up to date.

genalorainne
on Aug 13, 2015

Perhaps one of your very best articles. I did have a problem with my joints and heard something about the natto. Now after reading it here, I will try it for sure. 10/10 article.

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