Common deficiency symptoms and how to detect them early
Deficiencies occur when the body does not receive enough vitamins or minerals that are necessary for vital bodily functions.Such deficiencies can lead to symptoms ranging from fatigue and weakness to serious conditions like anemia, osteoporosis, or immune system disorders. The symptoms are often nonspecific and therefore easy to overlook or may be misdiagnosed. In this blog, you will learn which symptoms can occur with the most common vitamin and mineral deficiencies and how to recognize these deficiencies at an early stage.
Table of Contents
- What are the most common vitamin and mineral deficiencies?
- How can I recognize deficiencies at an early stage?
- The most common vitamin deficiencies at a glance
- The most common mineral deficiencies at a glance
- What to do in case of deficiencies?
What are the most common vitamin and mineral deficiencies?
Deficiencies can appear in various forms and often vary depending on geographic location, dietary habits, and lifestyle. Here you will find an overview of the most common vitamin and mineral deficiencies, sorted by frequency, as well as the functions of the corresponding vitamins and minerals:
| Vitamin/Mineral | Function |
|---|---|
| Vitamin D | Supports the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, important for bone health and immune function. |
| Iron | Main component of hemoglobin, which transports oxygen in the blood. |
| Vitamin B12 | Necessary for the production of red blood cells and the function of the nervous system. |
| Folic acid (B9) | Promotes cell division and the production of DNA and RNA. |
| Iodine | Necessary for the production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism. |
| Zinc | Important for immune function, wound healing, and cell division. |
| Magnesium | Involved in enzymatic reactions, supports cardiovascular, muscle, and nerve function. |
Source: NIH, 2024
How can I recognize deficiencies at an early stage?
Monitoring and recognizing deficiencies is crucial for maintaining your health. Some of the most important steps that can help you identify deficiencies at an early stage include:
- Recognize signs and symptoms
- Keep a food diary
- Regular blood tests
- Review your lifestyle habits
- Seek professional advice
Source: Warner, 2024
The most common vitamin deficiencies at a glance
Vitamin D deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency is a widespread problem: around 1 billion people worldwide suffer from a lack of vitamin D (Cleveland Clinic, 2022). Vitamin D is an essential nutrient, functioning as both a vitamin and a hormone, which the body can produce itself through direct sunlight exposure on the skin. Many people in Europe, especially in northern regions with less sunlight, experience vitamin D deficiency. This problem is not limited to the darker winter months, as modern lifestyles often involve spending a great deal of time indoors. A lack of at least 20 minutes of daily sun exposure with sufficient skin exposure (more than 40% of the skin) can lead to a deficiency (Sizar et al., 2023). A vitamin D-deficient diet and conditions such as celiac disease or Crohn’s disease, which impair the absorption of the vitamin in the intestine, also contribute to deficiency (Cleveland Clinic, 2022; NHS, 2020).
What are the symptoms of a vitamin D deficiency?
In many people, there are no obvious symptoms in the early stages of a vitamin D deficiency. When symptoms do appear, they may already indicate a more advanced deficiency. Typical symptoms include:
- Fatigue and a general feeling of weakness
- Diffuse muscle aches or cramps
- Joint pain or stiffness
- Long-term bone pain
- Frequent respiratory infections
Source: Cleveland Clinic, 2022
Vitamin B12 deficiency
Vitamin B12 deficiency occurs when the body cannot absorb or store enough of this vital vitamin. A common cause is a vegan or vegetarian diet that contains no or very few animal products, as vitamin B12 is primarily found in animal-derived foods. In addition, the production of stomach acid—which is essential for vitamin B12 absorption—often decreases with age, increasing the risk of deficiency. Vitamin B12 absorption can also be impaired in people with certain conditions, such as celiac disease.
What are the symptoms of a vitamin B12 deficiency?
A vitamin B12 deficiency often develops slowly and may initially go unnoticed. Typical symptoms include:
- Fatigue and weakness
- Pale or slightly yellowish skin
- Burning or tingling sensation on the tongue
- Confusion or memory problems
- Tingling or numbness in hands and feet
- Difficulty walking or coordination problems
Source: Cleveland Clinic, 2022
Folic acid deficiency (vitamin B9 deficiency)
Folic acid deficiency occurs when the body does not absorb enough vitamin B9. This can result from an increased need (e.g., during pregnancy) or an unbalanced diet, especially if dietary restrictions prevent the intake of folate-rich foods. Major sources of folic acid include leafy green vegetables, legumes, nuts, and fortified foods. Again, certain health conditions—such as celiac disease and inflammatory bowel diseases—can impair folic acid absorption. This deficiency is particularly critical during pregnancy, as insufficient folate levels can increase the risk of birth defects such as neural tube defects (Cleveland Clinic, 2022).
What are the symptoms of a folic acid deficiency?
- Fatigue and a feeling of weakness
- Headaches and irritability
- Pale skin
- Shortness of breath
- Digestive issues such as diarrhea or constipation
- Weight loss
Want to gain insight into your own health?
Taking specific tests such as the vitamin deficiency test, folic acid test, and active vitamin B12 test from Homed-IQ provides a helpful way to accurately and conveniently monitor your nutrient status from home. These tests are valuable for anyone looking to assess their vitamin levels—especially for risk groups such as vegans, older adults, and women of childbearing age—to recognize deficiencies early and avoid health problems. Protect your health and improve your quality of life by identifying deficiencies early.
The most common mineral deficiencies at a glance
Iron deficiency
Iron is a mineral best known for its role as a main component of hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutrient deficiencies worldwide. It is often caused by a combination of insufficient dietary iron intake and increased needs (e.g., during pregnancy or menstruation) that are not met. In addition, certain gastrointestinal conditions, such as celiac disease or chronic gastritis—especially when linked to a Helicobacter pylori infection—can prevent effective absorption of dietary iron (NHS, 2024).
What are the symptoms of iron deficiency?
The symptoms of iron deficiency may start subtly and are often overlooked. Typical signs include:
- Persistent fatigue and exhaustion
- Pale skin and mucous membranes
- Shortness of breath during mild physical activity
- Dizziness or headaches
- Brittle nails
Source: Van de Walle, 2023
Iodine deficiency
Iodine deficiency occurs when the body does not absorb enough iodine, an essential mineral required for the production of thyroid hormones. Deficiency may result from insufficient intake of iodine-rich foods such as iodized salt, seafood, dairy products, and seaweed. This is particularly relevant in areas with iodine-poor soil and water. In addition, certain health conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (an autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland) can impair iodine absorption and utilization. Iodine deficiency is problematic because it can lead to hypothyroidism and developmental issues in fetuses during pregnancy (Cleveland Clinic, 2022).
What are the symptoms of iodine deficiency?
Symptoms of iodine deficiency include:
- Thyroid enlargement (goiter)
- Weight gain and difficulty losing weight
- Fatigue and weakness
- Hair loss
- Dry, scaly skin
- Sensitivity to cold
Source: Burgess, 2023
Zinc deficiency
Zinc deficiency can occur when the body does not absorb enough zinc from the diet. A common cause is a diet low in zinc-rich foods such as meat, seafood, dairy products, and whole grains. Regular alcohol consumption can also negatively affect zinc absorption and storage. Conditions that impair nutrient absorption—such as celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, pancreatic insufficiency, chronic gastritis, or stomach surgery—can reduce the body’s ability to utilize zinc, increasing the risk of deficiency (NIH, 2022).
What are the symptoms of zinc deficiency?
Zinc deficiency can lead to the following symptoms:
- Weakened immune system and increased susceptibility to infections
- Poor wound healing
- Hair loss
- Diarrhea
- Changes in sense of smell and taste
- Delayed sexual maturity and growth disturbances in children
Source: Plum et al., 2010
Magnesium deficiency
Magnesium deficiency can arise when intake of magnesium-rich foods is insufficient, often due to an unbalanced diet or dietary restrictions. Magnesium is found in a wide variety of foods, including nuts, seeds, whole grains, dark leafy greens, and bananas. An increased need for magnesium—such as during intense physical activity or times of stress—or increased loss due to diuretic use or conditions that impair nutrient absorption can also lead to deficiency (NIH, 2022).
What are the symptoms of magnesium deficiency?
Symptoms of magnesium deficiency may include:
- Muscle cramps and spasms
- Mental symptoms such as apathy, depression, and irritability
- Fatigue and weakness
- Irregular heartbeat
- Nervousness and anxiety
Source: Cleveland Clinic, 2022
Want to gain insight into your own health?
A magnesium test from Homed-IQ can be very helpful in identifying deficiencies, as magnesium plays a central role in numerous bodily functions. By testing your magnesium level conveniently from home, you can detect a deficiency early and take appropriate action before health problems arise.
What to do in case of deficiencies
If you notice signs of a deficiency, it is important to take action quickly to prevent potential health problems. A deficiency confirmed by blood tests requires individual consultation with your doctor, which typically includes dietary adjustments, supplementation, and the evaluation of any underlying health conditions. Additionally, it is essential to review and adapt your lifestyle habits to ensure adequate nutrient intake and prevent future deficiencies.
