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What are the problems caused due to vitamin deficiency?

Vitamin deficiencies are caused due to vitamin deficiency in developing countries. Deficiencies of vitamin A, vitamin B and vitamin D are the most common. Vitamin A deficiency causes night blindness. This is also one of the first signs of vitamin A’s deficiency. This causes the cornea to become dry and hence damaging the entire retina and cornea. This happens in a period of 12 months. This happens in children and in pregnant women. Vitamin A deficiency also reduces the ability of the body to fight infection.

In developing countries, malnourished children are very vulnerable to measles and have high fatality rates. It also increases the risk of getting respiratory problems, slow bone growth and decrease growth rate in children. Vitamin A deficiency is mainly caused due to poor diet. Alcohol consumption and stressed liver can also be a reason for vitamin A depletion in your body. A mother with vitamin A deficiency while providing breast milk to her child may also cause vitamin deficiency in that child.

Vitamin D is very vital for maintaining the organ systems. Vitamin D takes two forms, namely vitamin D2 and D3. Vitamin D deficiency results when there is inadequate sunlight and inadequate nutrient consumption. Vitamin D deficiency may lead to many disorders such as kidney or liver disorder. It also leads to impaired bone mineralization hence leading to bone softening. Research has shown that, certain types of cancer are caused due to vitamin D deficiency.

Vitamin B deficiency causes depression in some people. Vitamin B complex deficiency in your body may lead to mood changes, changes in appetite, insomnia, restlessness and anxiety. Vitamin B comes in as many as 6 forms. They are vitamin B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and B12. Vitamin B1 is very important for nerve stimulation and for metabolism of carbohydrates for providing energy to the brain and the body. Deficiency of vitamin B1 may cause mood disorders, night terror and anxiety. All the other vitamins also can lead to difficulty in concentrating and remembering.

What are the treatment methods for vitamin deficiency?

Vitamins can be supplied to the body in both oral and inject able forms. Nowadays vitamin A supplements are available in capsules. It can be taken regularly. Another way is food fortification, which is very useful. Retinol acetate, retinol esters and retinol palmitate are nowadays available for food fortification of vitamin A. Vitamin D is available from exposure to sunlight. It is produced in our skin when the UV rays reach. Vitamin D is also derived from the fungal and plant sources. Vitamin B complex tablets can be taken daily. Apart from these, a healthy diet may help you a lot in supplying vitamins. Vitamins are very essential for leading a healthy life in terms of both physical and mental being, so always have a good diet.