ARE YOU AT RISK OF VITAMIN OR MINERAL DEFICIENCIES?

Many people take multivitamins because they feel their diet is not healthy enough. Should they really worry about deficiencies because their diet lack in diversity?

Read on to discover some of the most common situations that can actually increase the risk of vitamin or mineral deficiency.

DEFICIENCY LINKED TO INSUFFICIENT DIETARY INTAKE

Individuals who follow imbalanced diets or intentionally exclude certain food groups, either out of necessity or choice, face a higher risk of vitamin and mineral deficiencies. For instance:

  1. Vegans and vegetarians may be susceptible to vitamin B12 or iron deficiencies due to the absence or limited consumption of foods of animal origin.
  2. Those who consume minimal or no dairy products, such as individuals allergic to milk proteins or lactose-intolerant, are at an increased risk of calcium deficiency.
  3. Older adults, especially those living independently, may struggle with insufficient dietary intake due to factors like diminished appetite, budget constraints, or difficulties in preparing well-rounded meals, potentially leading to various deficiencies.

DEFICIENCIES LINKED TO A MEDICAL PROBLEM OR TREATMENT

In certain cases, a deficiency may not be attributed to a diet lacking in vitamins or minerals but rather to a disease or medical treatment hindering the body’s absorption or utilization of these essential nutrients.

    1. Specific gastrointestinal conditions, such as Crohn’s disease, can impede the absorption of vitamins or minerals like vitamin B12, folic acid, and iron.
    2. Iron deficiency may arise from excessive menstrual bleeding.
    3. Alcoholism, characterized by excessive alcohol consumption, can disrupt the absorption or storage of vitamins and minerals, leading to deficiencies (e.g., vitamin B complex, magnesium, calcium).
    4. Eating disorders like anorexia may result in severe deficiencies in various vitamins and minerals due to extreme dietary restrictions.
    5. Certain medications can inhibit the absorption of specific minerals found in foods, including calcium and iron. Others may block or reduce the production of certain vitamins or prompt their elimination from the body. Adjustments in medication can typically mitigate these effects.

THE RIGHT SUPPLEMENT AT THE RIGHT DOSE

If your doctor detects a deficiency, he or she will prescribe a supplement and specify the dose you will need to take to replenish your body’s reserves. Once your levels are back up to normal, you may or may not be able to stop taking the supplement, depending on whether the cause of the deficiency has been eliminated.

Your pharmacist plays a key role in ensuring that your supplements don’t interfere with any other medications you may be taking, so it is important to follow their recommendations.

If you have concerns about your intake of vitamins or minerals, talk to your pharmacist.