Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can manifest in various ways in the body, often presenting with a range of symptoms.

Here are some common signs and symptoms associated with different deficiencies:

1. Biotin Deficiency:

- Brittle hair and nails

- Hair loss

- Scaly skin patches

- Mouth ulcers

- Fatigue

- A lack of biotin can also be caused by prolonged use of antibiotics, anti-seizure medications, or eating raw egg whites.

2. Vitamin C Deficiency:

- Bleeding gums

- Weakened immune system

- Fatigue

- Lethargy

- Easy bruising

- Slow wound healing

- Dry skin

- Frequent nosebleeds

- In severe cases, scurvy can occur, characterized by depression of the immune system, weakened muscles and bones, and tooth loss.

3. Vitamin A Deficiency:

- Night blindness

- Dry eyes

- Phrynoderma (toad skin), characterized by dry, hyperkeratotic papules with central intrafollicular plugs projecting from hair follicles

- Xerophthalmia (inability to produce tears)

- Phrynoderma can also be associated with other nutritional deficiencies beyond just vitamin A.

4. Zinc Deficiency:

- Impaired wound healing

- Delayed recovery from infections

- Impaired taste and smell

- Skin lesions

- Hair loss

- Impaired immune function

- Impaired protein synthesis

- Impaired growth and development in children.

5. Calcium Deficiency:

- Osteopenia (decreased bone mineral density)

- Osteoporosis (increased risk of bone fractures)

- Muscle cramps

- Numbness or tingling in fingers

- Fatigue

- Poor appetite

- Irregular heart rhythms

- Severe deficiency can cause muscle weakness, numbness, and tingling.

6. Iron Deficiency:

- Anemia

- Fatigue

- Shortness of breath

- Pale skin

- Headaches

- Dizziness

- Cold hands and feet

- Poor appetite

- Hair loss.

7. Folate Deficiency:

- Painful oral mucosa

- Pallor

- Changes in skin, hair, or fingernail pigmentation

- Fatigue

- Lethargy

- Depression

- Memory loss

- Confusion

- Seizures

- In severe cases, folate deficiency can cause neurological damage.

8. Magnesium Deficiency:

- Muscle cramps

- Fatigue

- Weakness

- Numbness or tingling in fingers

- Dizziness

- Headaches

- Constipation

- Muscle weakness

- Seizures

- Cardiac arrhythmias.

These symptoms can vary in severity and may be accompanied by other health issues. Recognizing these signs can help identify potential deficiencies and guide appropriate dietary changes or supplementation to address them.

Citations:

[1] https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-deficiency

[2] https://www.ccjm.org/content/83/10/731

[3] https://www.healthline.com/health/mineral-deficiency

[4] https://www.hmpgloballearningnetwork.com/site/podiatry/when-vitamin-and-nutritional-deficiencies-cause-skin-and-nail-changes

[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7019700/