How do I know when my body is deficient in vitamins and minerals?

Vitamins and minerals are essential molecules for the body; they are responsible for carrying out various processes in our body, growth, development, cellular functioning, among others.

The human body needs different amounts of vitamins and minerals; Deficiencies in these can cause a variety of health problems, which can lead to symptoms such as:

• Hair loss. Noticeable hair loss may be associated with a deficiency of riboflavin (B2), biotin (B7), folate (B9), vitamin B12, vitamin A, zinc or iron. ; or any medical condition, it is recommended to consult with a doctor.
• Mouth ulcers . The frequent appearance of mouth ulcers is one of the most obvious symptoms of a lack of vitamin B12. Likewise, it has also been associated with the deficiency of other B complex vitamins, such as thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2) and pyridoxine (B6).
• Bleeding gums. This symptom is associated with scurvy, a disease caused by a deficiency of vitamin C (ascorbic acid), necessary for the formation of collagen in humans. Other signs and symptoms of this condition include skin hemorrhages, difficulty healing, and anemia.
• Dry Skin. This symptom is linked to a deficiency of vitamin A, B, C and D. It is recommended to review it in more depth with a health professional.
• Fatigue. It may be due to deficiency of multiple micronutrients, such as iron, magnesium, potassium, vitamin B12, and vitamin B9. The lack of B complex vitamins that leads to this clinical sign may be due to inadequate diet, pernicious anemia, gastric surgery, and various intestinal problems.
• Tingling in hands and feet. A low presence of B vitamins such as folate (B9), B6 ​​and B12 is related to problems with peripheral nerves, which can cause anxiety, depression and hormonal imbalances.
• Soft and brittle nails. It is usually related to hair loss and skin problems. It is associated with deficiency of vitamin A, iron, folate (B9), B12 and vitamin C.
• Bone pain. It can be associated with incorrect absorption of calcium and phosphorus, which also produces a vitamin D deficiency; This increases bone pain and possible bone fractures.
• Muscle cramps. This may be mainly due to a deficiency of minerals, such as calcium, magnesium and/or potassium. An influence has also been demonstrated with biotin (B1), riboflavin (B2), vitamin D and E. Muscle cramps can also be due to dehydration, which is why the minerals mentioned above are low.