Vitamin Deficiencies in New Jersey
Vitamin deficiencies can compromise your health if left unresolved. Lawrenceville, New Jersey’s Digestive Health & Nutrition Center, led by gastroenterologist Angela Merlo, M.D., provides treatment of vitamin deficiencies for residents in and around Trenton and Princeton
What are Nutritional/ Vitamin Deficiencies?
The recommended daily allowance (RDA) of nutrients involves the quantities required by the body for basic health. Nutrients can be acquired in several ways, from eating a wide variety of foods to taking vitamin and mineral supplements.
A nutrient deficiency develops when the body is unable to absorb nutrient in the required amounts. Deficiencies can result in numerous health issues, including digestive disorders, stunted bone growth, bone defects, skin disorders and even dementia.
Types of Nutritional/ Vitamin Deficiencies
- Iron Deficiency
The most common nutrient deficiency in the world is iron deficiency, which causes anemia. Iron can be obtained from foods such as dark leafy greens, red meat, liver and other organ meats, bell peppers, egg yolks and most beans. An iron deficiency hinders the body’s ability to manufacture red blood cells, and the ones it does make are small and pale compared to normal, healthy ones.
- Vitamin A Deficiency
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), insufficient vitamin A intake is the most common cause of preventable childhood blindness. Expectant mothers with vitamin A deficiency are also affected by a higher mortality rate. Vitamin A is critical for the good health and proper function of the eyes, male and female reproductive systems, and the immune system. For infants, breast milk is the best source of vitamin A. Everyone else can benefit from focusing on vitamin A-rich foods. These include liver, carrots, squash, bell peppers, cabbage, sweet potatoes, cod liver oil, fortified milk, red palm oil, shrimp, peaches, and apricots.
- Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) Deficiency
Another widespread nutritional deficiency is seen with thiamine, also called vitamin B1. This nutrient is important for ensuring healthy tissue respiration and nervous system function. Deficiencies can result in damage to the muscles, nerves, and heart. If left untreated, thiamine deficiency can progress to a life-threatening condition called beriberi. Ideal food sources of thiamine include sunflower and sesame seeds, beans, pork, nuts, oregano, thyme, oats, barley, and lentils.
- Vitamin B3 (Niacin) Deficiency
Niacin deficiency, a lack of vitamin B3, is known as pellagra. Niacin is abundant in high-protein foods, specifically meat. For this reason, pellagra is rarely seen in people who eat meat. Symptoms of the disease include skin disorders, dementia, and diarrhea. In severe cases, pellagra may result in sudden death. Tuna, chicken, turkey, lamb, and salmon are the top food sources of niacin.
- Vitamin B9 (Folate) Deficiency
Folate, also called vitamin B9, is needed for the production of DNA and red blood cells. It also supports the proper development and functioning of the neurological system. Folate is particularly necessary for fetal growth. A deficiency in this nutrient can cause serious birth defects, including anemia, neural tube defects and growth problems. Folate can be obtained from leafy greens, citrus, pork, seafood, poultry, fortified grains, and beans.
- Vitamin D Deficiency
According to the Vitamin D Council, deficiencies in this nutrient are at epidemic levels across the globe. Vitamin D deficiency is thought to affect more than half of the world’s population.
Vitamin D is important for regulating calcium levels to control the development of bones and teeth. Having too little of this nutrient can cause bone defects or stunted growth. Osteoporosis, which is due to low calcium and vitamin D, causes bones to become fragile and porous, increasing the risk of fractures and breaks. It often presents no symptoms (asymptomatic). The best ways to get vitamin D are sun exposure and eating foods like wild salmon, cod liver oil, and fortified dairy products.
- Calcium Deficiency
Calcium supports strong bone and tooth development and ensures proper function of the heart, muscles and nerves. Calcium deficiency doesn’t typically present immediate symptoms, but if it’s left untreated, it can cause serious health problems. Deficiencies in calcium can result in osteoporosis, seizures, abnormal cardiac rhythm (arrhythmia) and death. Dairy products, leafy greens, broccoli, kale and fortified grain products are the best food sources of calcium.
What are the Symptoms of Nutritional Deficiencies?
Nutritional deficiency symptoms depend on which vitamins or minerals the body is lacking. However, deficiencies can present with generalized symptoms, such as:
- Paleness
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Difficulty breathing
- Hair loss (alopecia)
- Unusual food cravings
- Occasional lightheadedness
- Sleepiness
- Constipation
- Heart palpitations
- Depression
- Fainting or feeling like you might
- Trouble concentrating
- Menstrual disturbances like skipped periods or excessively heavy flow
- Numbness and tingling in the joints
How are Nutritional Deficiencies Diagnosed?
Dr. Merlo will talk with you about your current diet and eating habits if she believes that you may have a nutritional deficiency. She will also ask about your symptoms. It’s important to notify her if you’ve experienced periods of diarrhea or constipation, or if you’ve noticed blood in your stools.
If you have a nutritional deficiency, it may also be diagnosed by a regular blood test, including a complete blood count (CBC). This is often how doctors identify nutrient deficiencies.
How are Nutritional Deficiencies Treated?
Treatment for nutritional deficiencies depends on the particular deficiency and how severe it is. Your doctor will evaluate the severity of your nutritional deficiency and how likely it is to result in long-term health problems. Dr. Merlo may order additional testing in order to discover what, if any, damage was done before coming up with a plan for treatment. Symptoms of nutritional deficiency typically go away when patients adhere to a proper diet or take vitamin and mineral supplements.
- Dietary Changes – Altering your dietary habits in instances of mild nutritional deficiencies.
- Supplements – For some patients, nutritional deficiencies may require them to take supplements or a multivitamin. Additional supplements may also be necessary in order to support proper absorption, as is the case when taking calcium alongside vitamin D.
- Parenteral Administration – In severe cases of nutritional deficiency, such as when the problem fails to get better with the use of oral medications, parenteral administration or injection of the nutrient may be necessary.
If you live in or around Trenton or Princeton, New Jersey and are looking for a specialist in adult and pediatric gastroenterology who can help you manage your vitamin deficiency, contact the Digestive Health & Nutrition Center in Lawrenceville today to set up an appointment.
