The first signs of a lack of vitamins in the body. Lack of vitamins in the body - the result is obvious Signs that there are not enough vitamins

Vitamins are organic nutrients that are vital for the proper functioning of all cells, tissues and processes in the body. Symptoms of deficiency of any vitamin depend on what it is responsible for. Most often, people are deficient in water-soluble vitamins, since fat-soluble ones can accumulate in the body.

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Vitamin A (retinol) deficiency

Vitamin A helps in the growth and repair of body tissues, it gives you smooth, soft, disease-free skin. From the inside, it protects the mucous membranes of the mouth, nose, throat, and lungs, reducing susceptibility to infection. Other important functions of vitamin A are building strong bones, teeth and white blood cells, and maintaining good vision.

The first symptoms of vitamin A deficiency are night blindness (the inability of the eye to adapt to the dark), dry skin, loss of appetite, increased fatigue, seborrhea, dull and brittle hair. Prolonged lack of retinol leads to xerophthalmia, increased dryness of the eyes, increased susceptibility to colds and viral infections, weight loss, loss of smell and taste.

To describe a mild deficiency of any vitamin, doctors use the term "subclinical deficiency". In case of a long-term deficiency of any vitamin, the term "avitaminosis" is used.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) deficiency

The main function of vitamin C is to maintain the proper level of collagen, a protein necessary for the formation of the connective tissue of the skin, ligaments and bones. Vitamin C also plays an important role in the healing of wounds and burns, the formation of red blood cells and the prevention of hemorrhage. In addition, vitamin C fights bacterial infections. Vitamin C stimulates the production of interferon and acts as an inactivator against viruses, helping to fight diseases such as:

• herpes
• hepatitis
• polio
• encephalitis
• pneumonia

Signs of vitamin C deficiency are shortness of breath, indigestion, bleeding gums, weakening of the enamel, swollen or painful joints, nosebleeds, anemia, decreased resistance to infection, and slow healing. Breastfeeding women with vitamin C deficiency have problems with lactation. The autumn lack of vitamin C will make you a target for all colds, therefore, in the cold season, the prevention of ascorbic acid deficiency becomes especially important, such diseases can be treated by also increasing the dose of vitamin C.

Prolonged lack of vitamin C leads to scurvy

Vitamin E (tocopherol) deficiency

Vitamin E is an antioxidant, meaning it fights the damaging effects of free radicals. Vitamin E plays an important role in the cellular respiration of all muscles, especially the heart. Vitamin E also helps to slow down the aging process, it is necessary for the proper focus of the eyes, and it helps to heal wounds and scars.

The saddest consequence of vitamin E deficiency for women is frequent miscarriages or premature births, which is why so often the treatment of these problems begins with a blood test for vitamin deficiency. With a lack of tocopherol, iron absorption is disrupted, which can result in anemia. The first symptoms of deficiency are vision problems, which, with prolonged beriberi, can result in the appearance of cataracts and retinal degeneration, muscle cramps, tingling, burning and numbness of the extremities.

Vitamin K is necessary for the formation of prothrombin, a chemical element necessary for normal blood clotting. It is also vital for the normal functioning of the liver.

Vitamin deficiency is expressed primarily in the bleeding of the smallest wounds, nose and internal bleeding, blood in the stool and urine. Vitamin K deficiency can transform into diseases such as celiac disease (intestinal malabsorption), colitis, and can cause miscarriage.

Vitamin D helps in the absorption of calcium and phosphorus needed for the formation of bones and teeth, it is also valuable in maintaining the stability of the nervous system, stable functioning of the cardiovascular system and normal blood clotting.

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A lack of vitamin D leads to insufficient absorption of calcium from the gastrointestinal tract, as a result, the bones of the skull soften, the spine bends, and the bones of the wrist, knee and ankle joints expand. The first manifestation of vitamin D deficiency may be increased nervous excitability, irritability.

For a city dweller, symptoms such as chronic fatigue, an exhausted look and increased irritability have long been considered the norm. Dry sensitive skin, brittle hair, exfoliating nails - we see the causes of all these troubles in poor ecology and endless stress. And, of course, there is some truth in this.

But to a very large extent, how we look and how we feel depends on ourselves and how much we take care of our bodies. complete sleep, proper nutrition, moderate exercise and mental balance - these are the four things on which the physical health of a person is based.

It is worth removing at least one element, and the consequences will not be long in coming.

In this case, our nutrition plays the most important role, literally everything depends on it: our appearance, our well-being and even our mood! To feel healthy, vigorous and full of energy, you need not only calories, but also vitamins and minerals.

You will be surprised, but sometimes a single vitamin can completely change a person, no matter how strange it may sound. For example, a severe deficiency of B vitamins can make a person irritable and hysterical, or even drive into depression.

In this case, after a course of vitamins, these “character traits” (which in this case are just symptoms) usually begin to pass by themselves, even if the external circumstances that the person explained his behavior have not changed.

The site has put together its mini vitamin guide for dummies to help you figure out which vitamins and minerals you're missing and choose your vitamins.

When are vitamins and minerals needed?

When are vitamins and minerals needed?

If your diet is well balanced, then you should not be deficient in vitamins. But this is theoretical. In practice, the need for vitamins and minerals varies from person to person and depends not only on diet, but also on lifestyle, health status, age, etc. As a rule, the need for additional intake of vitamins arises in the following cases:

• you are pregnant or breastfeeding (in this case, you should consult your doctor about which vitamins you should take);

Dosage and rules for taking vitamins

Are you a vegetarian or vegan?

you have been sitting on a strict diet ;

you have just had a cold or an infectious disease;

Do you regularly experience stress?

you are forced work to the limit their mental or physical abilities;

you lead a bohemian lifestyle (drink a lot, smoke and stay awake at night).

Also, the need for vitamins usually increases in the winter-spring period, when there are few fresh vegetables and fruits.

The state of partial vitamin deficiency is called hypovitaminosis, and it is this that occurs most often. The extreme degree of vitamin deficiency is already beriberi, but in order to reach such a state, you need to try very hard. For example, to get scurvy, you need to go without foods containing vitamin C for at least 4 weeks.

There is also a state opposite to hypovitaminosis - hypervitaminosis, but it occurs much less frequently and usually occurs due to excessive intake of vitamins, so it is better not to abuse it.

Vitamins are fat-soluble (A, D, E, F, K) and water-soluble (C, B and others).

Excess water-soluble vitamins are excreted from the body with urine, so their overdose is not so terrible (but it is better not to abuse it), and fat-soluble vitamins accumulate and can cause hypervitaminosis. Hypovitaminosis is most often caused by a lack of water-soluble vitamins.

Both hypovitaminosis and hypervitaminosis can manifest themselves in very different ways, and each vitamin has its own symptoms.

How do you know if supplemental vitamins are right for you? See if you belong to one of the above groups. If so, then most likely you need vitamins.

1. Analyze your diet.

To do this, try to write down everything you eat for a week, and in what quantities, and at the end, calculate whether you get enough vitamins from food (for calculation, use the vitamin content tables in foods - they can be easily found on the Internet).

2. Focus on how you feel.

Lethargy, constant drowsiness, difficulty concentrating, skin problems bad mood for a long period, frequent colds, muscle weakness - if there are no other objective reasons, then all this can be signs of hypovitaminosis.

If you have serious health problems, then you should not play Dr. House and self-medicate - better go to the doctor.

We select vitamins

We select vitamins

So, you have decided that you are lacking in vitamins, but you cannot determine which ones. As already mentioned, each hypovitaminosis has its own manifestations. If possible, of course, it is advisable to consult a doctor and take tests that will show what exactly you are missing.

Dosage and rules for taking vitamins

We will not go into the wilds and consider symptoms such as “violation of glutamine metabolism” and “corneal vascularization”, but we will take only those that you can observe in yourself (but in this case it is still advisable to check your guess with a doctor).

Appearance

Outwardly, a lack of vitamins and minerals can manifest itself in a haggard, tired look, skin and hair problems:

1. Dry, irritated, flaky skin - A, C, E, vitamin B complex, I.
2. Dry and brittle hair - A, B7, Ca (calcium), D (for calcium absorption).
3. Hair loss - B2, B3, B6, B9, B12, A, E, D, C, Zn (zinc).
4. Problematic skin - A, E, vitamin B complex, Zn, Mg (magnesium).
5. Brittle, exfoliating nails - A, E, B5, Ca (+ D)
6. Dental problems (enamel destruction, caries) - Ca, D3, C.
7. Dandruff - B6, B12, F, Se (selenium).

well-being

The deficiency of vitamins also affects the state of health very noticeably. For example, the following conditions may be associated with a lack of vitamins:

1. Frequent colds - A, C, K.
2. Weakness, fatigue - B1, B2, B5, B6, B7, B12, C, D3, E, I (iodine), Zn.
3. Memory impairment - B1, B4, B5, B6, C, F (Omega-3 and Omega-6), I, Zn.
4. Frequent headache - B1, B12, C, D3, Mg, I.
5. Problems with concentration - B6, C, F, I.
6. Depression, depressed mood - B6, B7, B12, C, F, I, Zn.
7. Increased irritability - B5, B6, B12, E, F, I, Zn.

Rules for taking vitamins

Dosage and rules for taking vitamins

If you find yourself lacking one or more vitamins, do not rush to the pharmacy for popular vitamin complexes. The selection of the dosage and the correct combination of vitamins is also a whole science.

Unfortunately, many of the ready-made vitamin complexes contain vitamins and minerals that interfere with the absorption of each other: for example, calcium and zinc. Remember a simple rule: the more vitamins in one tablet, the less useful it is.

Dosage and rules for taking vitamins

If you choose a vitamin complex, then make sure that the components in its composition at least do not interfere with each other, but rather, they contribute to the assimilation of each other. For example, the following combinations can be called ideal in terms of compatibility of components: A + E + C, as well as Ca + Mg + D3.

Also note that your individual daily dose may differ from the standard - it depends on lifestyle, working conditions and other factors. Below is a list of the most important vitamins and minerals that are most often found to be deficient in metropolitan areas.

You can print it out and already in the pharmacy with knowledge of the matter choose for yourself the best set of vitamins in accordance with your needs.

A (retinol), G (fat soluble)

Daily rate:- 900 mcg, maximum - 3000 mcg.
Sources: fish oil, liver, wild garlic, viburnum
The need increases with intense physical and mental stress, pregnancy, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract, infections, constant work at the computer
Peculiarities: it is desirable to use simultaneously with E, C and zinc

B1 (thiamine), B (water soluble)

Daily rate: 1.4-2.4 mg
Sources: pine nuts, peas, soybeans, oatmeal
The need increases with intense physical activity, stress, pregnancy, infectious diseases, cold climates, excessive consumption of tea, coffee or alcohol
Peculiarities: it is desirable to use separately from B12 and B6: B12 can increase the allergic reaction to B1, and B6 interferes with the transition of B1 to the active form

B2 (riboflavin), B

Daily rate: 1.5-2.5 mg
Sources: pine nuts, liver, eggs, almonds
The need increases with intense physical activity, stress, pregnancy.
Peculiarities: preferably consumed with meals

B3 (niacin), B

Daily rate: 15-20 mg
Sources: champignons, beans, peas, liver
The need increases with extreme weather conditions (hot or cold), intense physical activity, pregnancy, vegetarian/vegan diet

B6 (pyridoxine), B

Daily rate: 1.5-2 mg
Sources: pine nuts, beans, liver, pomegranate, sweet pepper
The need increases with intense physical activity, pregnancy, stress
Peculiarities: Mg is needed for absorption, it is advisable to use it separately from B1

B12 (cyanocobalamin), B

Daily rate: 2-3 mcg
Sources: liver, kidneys, meat, fish, milk, eggs
The need increases with intense physical activity, pregnancy
Peculiarities: a vegan diet requires taking vitamins or foods fortified with B12. It is highly desirable to use separately from B1, C, Fe (iron) and Cu (copper), as they turn B12 into an inactive form

C (ascorbic acid), B

Daily rate: 70-100 mg (for an absolutely healthy person), maximum - 2000 mg
Sources: wild rose, bell pepper, kiwi, wild garlic, citrus
The need increases with intense physical activity, stress, colds and infectious diseases, pregnancy, adverse environmental conditions, harsh climate,

Instruction

Most often, the body is deficient in several vitamins, which is the reason for the variety of symptoms. However, this manifests itself differently for everyone. Some have malaise and deterioration in appearance, while others have symptoms of illness. It depends on the degree of beriberi and the potential of the organism. But in most cases, the deficiency of any organic compounds is first manifested by alarming symptoms and only then causes poor health.

One of the first to suffer from beriberi is the nervous system. And the main signs of its violation are memory loss, poor and short night sleep, irritability, desire to conflict and argue, bad mood from the moment of awakening, inability to concentrate on reading or work, depression, anxious, obsessive thoughts and a broken state in the evening. Most often this is due to a lack of vitamin C, D, group B and choline.

The circulatory system suffers no less from beriberi. And a sure sign of this is numbness of the legs and severe fatigue in the evening, convulsions, redness of the eyelids and corneas of the eyes, a decrease in skin elasticity, itching in some of its areas, due to the weakness of the blood vessels, varicose veins develop, bleeding. Most often, these are caused by a deficiency of vitamin C and K.

The respiratory system reacts in its own way to vitamin deficiency. Sudden appearance of redness on the face, sometimes swelling of the lips, frequent sneezing, asthma attacks, allergies, inflammation of the upper respiratory tract. One of the causes of these symptoms is a lack of vitamins A, E and C in the body.

The digestive organs respond to a lack of vitamins with a feeling of discomfort, especially after taking something, for example, kefir, as well as frequent diarrhea or constipation, intestinal colic, gastritis, unwillingness to have breakfast. Such symptoms may arise from a deficiency of vitamin A and group B.

The skin reacts quite strongly to the lack of vitamins. It becomes flabby, dry or oily, with frequent acne, bruising on the body, or petechial hemorrhages. Small wrinkles form above the upper lip, and itching appears due to dryness. If these signs are combined with severe hair loss, a change in the shape or structure of the nails, then this is a sure indication of a lack of vitamins A, E, C and choline in the body.

The musculoskeletal system reacts to vitamin deficiency by reducing the elasticity of the ligaments, crunching, pain in the spine and various joints, severe physical fatigue in the evening, impaired posture, excess weight and muscle flabbiness. These symptoms appear with a lack of vitamins B2, B5, B6, D, C, E and choline.

Vitamins are necessary not only for the normal course of all metabolic processes, but also for the activation of trace elements that are present in the body most often in sufficient quantities. And accordingly, the deficiency of the first leads to a deficiency of the second, which further aggravates the state of many body systems. And beriberi can be avoided only by eating properly prepared, fresh food, mainly of plant origin. But since she is not able to fully meet all the needs, it is worth taking prophylactic doses of ready-made vitamin and mineral preparations at least 2 times a year.

Thank you

The site provides reference information for informational purposes only. Diagnosis and treatment of diseases should be carried out under the supervision of a specialist. All drugs have contraindications. Expert advice is required!

Signs of beriberi A

The consequences of beriberi A for the eyes

• accumulation of crusts in the corners of the eyes;
• xerosis (lesion of the conjunctiva and the eye cornea);
• Bitot spots (spots on the eye sclera);
• keratomalacia (softening of the cornea);
• hemeralopia (inability to adapt to low light);
• color blindness (inability to distinguish colors).

Prolonged deficiency of retinol leads to the development of xerosis, which affects the conjunctiva (the tissue that covers the eyes and the inner surface of the eyelids) and the cornea of ​​​​the eyes. In this case, plaques appear on the surface of the eye, which are called Bitot's spots and can be gray or white. Subsequently, the conjunctiva acquires a gray color, loses its luster and sensitivity. Patients experience burning, sensation of a foreign body, blurred vision.
The next stage of xerosis is keratomalacia, which is characterized by softening and, in some cases, disintegration of the cornea and conjunctiva. With beriberi in children, keratomalacia is the cause of complete or partial loss of vision.

Another symptom of vitamin A deficiency is hemeralopia, the second name of which is night blindness. With this pathology, the eyes do not adapt well to insufficient lighting, and a person begins to see worse in the dark and at night. Often, with beriberi A, color blindness develops, in which a person ceases to distinguish colors.

Rash on the skin with avitaminosis A

Consequences of beriberi A

Manifestations of beriberi E

Muscle weakness in avitaminosis E

In older people, a lack of vitamin E often manifests itself as severe pain in the calf muscles that occurs when walking. In an effort to reduce pain, patients with beriberi E change their gait, which leads to lameness.

The effect of beriberi E on the libido of women and men

Symptoms of beriberi E during pregnancy

Signs of beriberi E during pregnancy are:

• muscle spasms;
• severe toxicosis;
• retardation of the fetus in development;
• risk of miscarriage .

Symptoms of beriberi E on the skin

A lack of vitamin E negatively affects blood clotting and inhibits the healing of scratches and other skin lesions. Also, in the absence of the required amount of tocopherol, the metabolism in the body is disturbed. Under the influence of these factors, patients with beriberi E suffer from acne and other skin rashes. A common symptom of vitamin E deficiency is the appearance of red spots on the human body. Often, due to a lack of tocopherol, anemia develops, which is manifested by pallor of the skin.

Symptoms of beriberi E on the hands

Dryness and flaking of the skin are also symptoms of beriberi E.
The skin becomes thinner and begins to crack. Nail plates lose their strength and become brittle.

Disorder of coordination in vitamin E deficiency

Symptoms of beriberi B1 (thiamine)

• increased fatigue;
• sleep disturbance;
• increased tearfulness;
• muscle weakness.

Severe vitamin B1 deficiency is known as beriberi disease.

Vitamin deficiency thiamine or beriberi

The clinical forms of beriberi are:

• dry form;
• cerebral form;
• wet form.

Polyneuropathy beriberi is characterized by multiple, but at the same time, symmetrical lesions of the peripheral nerves.

Complaints of patients with polyneuropathy are:

• burning sensation in the feet;
• paresthesias (disorders of sensitivity) in the lower extremities;
• convulsions (involuntary contractions with severe pain) in the calf muscles;
• weakness and fatigue when walking.

cerebral form
The cerebral form of beriberi is also called hemorrhagic polioencephalitis or Korsakov-Wernicke syndrome. This pathology is also a manifestation of severe vitamin B1 deficiency. Initially, symptoms such as a memory disorder and a violation of orientation in space appear. Then join the symptoms associated with cerebrovascular insufficiency and which are symptoms of encephalopathy.

Symptoms of beriberi encephalopathy include:

• ophthalmoplegia- paralysis of the muscles of the eye, in which the eyeball becomes motionless (because the oculomotor nerves are affected);
• ataxia- violation of gait and coordination of movements;
• confusion- patients are disoriented in time and space, and sometimes in their own personality.

wet form
With this form of beriberi, the cardiovascular system is affected. It is characterized by the development of cardiodystrophy (damage to the heart muscle) and impaired vascular tone. The wet form of avitaminosis B1 manifests itself in two variants - hypodynamic and hyperdynamic. In the hypodynamic variant, there is a low cardiac output, so its main manifestations are low blood pressure. In the hyperdynamic variant, cardiac output, on the contrary, is increased. Therefore, the main manifestations of this form are high blood pressure and tachycardia (frequent heartbeat). It is also characterized by the rapid development of heart failure, in which edema appears, shortness of breath up to pulmonary edema.

Symptoms of beriberi in children

Symptoms of beriberi in children are:

• signs of heart failure- bluish discoloration of the skin, wheezing in the lungs, low cardiac output;
• signs of damage to the nervous system- anxiety, sleep disturbance, lack of tendon reflexes;
• aphonia- a condition in which the sonority of the child's voice is impaired;
• prolonged absence of stool(constipation) and other disorders of the gastrointestinal system;
• visual impairment.

Signs of beriberi B2 (riboflavin)

• skin and its derivatives (hair, nails);
• mucous membranes - mucous membrane of the tongue, conjunctiva;
• eyes - sclera, cornea.

Manifestations of avitaminosis B2 on the skin

Symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis are:

• redness of the skin;
• peeling and dry skin;
• accumulation of sebum in the hair follicles;
• sometimes the formation of whitish or yellow scales.

A lack of vitamin B2 can also be manifested by various rashes, which most often look like red scaly spots. Sometimes the periungual bed may become inflamed. However, most often the nails themselves become brittle. Hair also loses its shine, splits and falls out.

Inflammation of the tongue with avitaminosis B2

Eye symptoms in vitamin B2 deficiency

In the later stages, when severe deficiency of vitamin B2 develops, symptoms of damage to the nervous system and anemic syndrome join. Dysfunction of the nervous system is manifested in impaired coordination of movements (ataxia), impaired sensitivity (paresthesias) and increased tendon reflexes. Anemic syndrome is characterized by a reduced number of red blood cells and hemoglobin in the blood. With anemia, there is also increased fatigue associated with oxygen deprivation, rapid heartbeat, and excessive sleepiness.

Avitaminosis B2 in pregnant women

Manifestations of beriberi B3 (vitamin PP)

Symptoms of vitamin B3 vitamin deficiency are:

• dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract;
• elevated cholesterol.

Depression with a lack of vitamin PP

Thus, vitamin PP deficiency indirectly leads to a lack of serotonin and the development of depressive disorders.

Violation of the function of the gastrointestinal tract with a deficiency of vitamin PP

Elevated cholesterol levels with avitaminosis RR

Symptoms of pellagra or beriberi PP

Dermatitis
Dermatitis is called inflammation of the skin, namely its upper layer - the epidermis. Pellagra dermatitis is characterized by rough and rough skin. This is the main manifestation of pellagra, because this term is translated from Italian as “rough skin”. The skin is inflamed, bright red and constantly flaky. These manifestations are especially noticeable on the face, neck, shoulders, that is, on those parts of the body that are open to the action of ultraviolet rays.

Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a bowel disorder in which stools are observed more than 3 times a day. At the same time, the stool is liquid, unformed, with an admixture of undigested particles of food. Diarrhea is associated with such symptoms of beriberi as loss of appetite and impaired digestion.

dementia
Dementia (dementia) is an extreme degree of damage to the nervous system in pellagra. First, symptoms such as weakness, memory loss, confusion appear. Patients begin to forget elementary things, become distracted. Then such symptoms as disorientation in time and in space join. Senile dementia develops, which means a complete breakdown of mental functions. In the people, this condition is called senile insanity.

Symptoms of beriberi B6

The effect of beriberi on the condition of the hair

The effect of vitamin deficiency on a person's weight

Drowsiness with avitaminosis B6

Factors that provoke drowsiness are:

• impaired production of neurotransmitters (hormones that transmit nerve impulses);
• poor-quality supply of nerve cells with glucose;
• muscle spasms during sleep.

Manifestations of beriberi B6 on the face

Symptoms of beriberi B6, which appear on the face, are:

• peeling of the face (complete or partial);
• dry patches of skin in the area of ​​nasolabial folds;
• peeling of the skin above the eyebrows and around the eyes.

Symptoms of beriberi B6 on the lips

Why does vitamin B6 deficiency lead to irritability?

Signs of beriberi B12

Signs of vitamin B12 deficiency are:

• megaloblastic anemia;
• damage to the nervous system;
• damage to the gastrointestinal tract.

Anemia in vitamin B12 deficiency

The cause of anemia is insufficient and poor-quality formation of blood cells, for the formation of which this vitamin is necessary. With cyanocobalamin deficiency, hemoblastosis develops, which is characterized by large forms of leukocytes, platelets and the rapid destruction of erythrocytes. A distinctive characteristic of B12 deficiency anemia is that along with mature red blood cells, young forms of red blood cells (called reticulocytes) also decrease. This means that the pathological process is realized already at the stage of erythrocyte formation. There is not only a decrease in the number of blood cells (erythrocytes, reticulocytes, platelets), but also a change in their shape. They increase in size, but at the same time, their wall becomes brittle and therefore they quickly collapse. For hemoblastosis with B12 avitaminosis, a decrease in the number of leukocytes and platelets is also characteristic.

With anemia, a person experiences constant headaches, dizziness, weakness, and increased exhaustion. The reason for this is oxygen deficiency, which always accompanies anemia (since hemoglobin is an oxygen carrier). For B12-deficiency anemia, a specific color of the skin is characteristic. So, the patient's skin acquires a shade of lemon color. This color is due to the release of a large amount of bilirubin from erythrocytes into the bloodstream. It also gives the skin a specific shade.

Laboratory picture of blood in B12-deficiency anemia

Intestinal damage in vitamin B12 deficiency

Signs of damage to the gastrointestinal tract with beriberi vitamin B12 are:

• periodic constipation;
• lack of appetite and, as a result, weight loss;
• glossitis (inflammation of the tongue), manifested by a burning sensation and fullness.

It should be noted that despite the abundance of symptoms from the gastrointestinal system, the clinical picture is often blurred. The above symptoms may periodically appear and disappear or be replaced by other symptoms. This is the reason why patients do not seek medical help for a long time. Lethargy and weakness, headache, periodic nausea, and poor appetite do not give a bright clinical picture.

Damage to the nervous system in vitamin B12 deficiency

Manifestations of neurological syndrome in vitamin B12 deficiency are:

• emotional lability - increased irritability, low mood;
• unsteady gait;
• numbness of the lower extremities;
• stiffness in the legs;
• severe muscle weakness;
• convulsions (sharp muscle contractions);
• in later stages loss of deep sensitivity.

Symptoms of vitamin deficiency folic acid (vitamin B9)

Anemia due to folic acid deficiency

The reason for the development of anemia with a lack of folic acid is a violation of DNA synthesis and, as a result, abnormal mitosis (cell division as a way of their reproduction). As a result, in the bone marrow, there is a delay in the maturation of erythrocytes, and their further reproduction (since there is not enough building material for this). Thus, the process of hematopoiesis itself is disrupted, which concerns not only red blood cells, but also other blood cells.

Blood picture with folic acid avitaminosis

Gastrointestinal (GIT) damage due to folic acid deficiency

Inflammatory phenomena in folic acid deficiency include:

• stomatitis - inflammation of the oral mucosa, which is accompanied by severe pain;
• glossitis - inflammation of the mucous membrane of the tongue, which is manifested by a burning sensation and fullness in the tongue;
• gastritis - an inflammatory lesion of the gastric mucosa, which is characterized by pain in the stomach, nausea, vomiting;
• enteritis - inflammation of the mucous membrane of the small intestine, accompanied by a disorder of the stool.

Folate deficiency in pregnant women

The consequences of folic acid deficiency in pregnant women are:

• anomalies in the development of the nervous system, which are most often incompatible with life - cerebral hernia, hydrocephalus ("dropsy of the brain"), anencephaly;
• anomalies in the formation and attachment of the placenta;
• vascular anomalies, which leads to termination of pregnancy;
• premature birth and, as a result, the birth of premature babies;
• mental retardation and mental disorders in children.

Manifestations of beriberi C (scurvy)

The functions of ascorbic acid in the body are:

• the function of detoxification and neutralization of superoxide radicals;
• function of immunomodulation, due to the restoration of vitamin E and interferon;
• promotes the absorption of iron;
• stimulates collagen synthesis;
• participates in the formation of serotonin from tryptophan;
• has a strengthening effect on blood vessels;
• takes part in the formation of bile acids.

The levels of vitamin C deficiency in the body include:

• first degree- manifested by symptoms such as muscle pain, fatigue, gum enlargement;
• second degree- manifested by weight loss, mental exhaustion, periodic nosebleeds;
• third degree- characterized by hemorrhages in the internal organs, gangrenous gingivitis, tooth loss.

First degree beriberi C

The gums are slightly swollen and often bleed. The first degree of beriberi is also characterized by small hemorrhages. They arise due to excessive fragility of blood vessels and increased permeability of the vascular wall. Ascorbic acid plays a major role in increasing the tone and resistance of blood vessels. With its deficiency, blood vessels become brittle and fragile, so any blow provokes the formation of hematomas and hemorrhages.

The second degree of avitaminosis C

Third degree beriberi C

Numerous hemorrhages in the internal organs are often complicated by the addition of an infection. Therefore, mortality at this stage due to sepsis is very high.

Symptoms of scurvy

The gums become bluish, swell and are easily injured when brushing your teeth. The gum tissue becomes loose and the teeth begin to loosen. Over time, the fixation of the teeth in the jaw weakens so much that the teeth begin to fall out.

Due to impaired collagen synthesis, the vascular wall becomes very brittle. This entails frequent hemorrhages and the formation of hematomas (blood accumulations). These hematomas can form in the internal organs, in the skin, in the subperiosteal space. If the hematoma is localized between the bone and the periosteum (most often this occurs on the lower limb), then this provokes severe pain. This symptom is often observed in vitamin C deficiency in children.

Hemorrhages in the skin can be in the form of a small rash (at the initial stage) or in the form of dark red spots (ecchymosis). With the development of large hemorrhages, the skin under them can be torn off. So, scurvy ulcers are formed. Violation of the integrity of blood vessels in the internal organs is accompanied by nasal, gastric, intestinal, renal bleeding. Scurvy is always accompanied by anemia, physical and mental exhaustion.

Symptoms of beriberi in children

Causes of beriberi D

Factors that lead to beriberi D are:

• overweight;
• lack of sunlight;
• vegetarian food system;
• deterioration in the absorption (digestibility) of the vitamin;
• poor processing of the vitamin into an active form;
• taking medications that interfere with vitamin metabolism.

Sunshine deficiency
One form of vitamin D (cholecalciferol) is synthesized in the body when exposed to sunlight. Therefore, residents of the northern regions often lack this element. Also, a deficiency of this vitamin affects people who spend a lot of time in rooms where sunlight does not penetrate. The production of cholecalciferol is significantly reduced when using sunscreens, as they do not allow the skin to absorb ultraviolet radiation. Melanin (a natural skin pigment) inhibits the synthesis of vitamin D, so people with a dark skin tone are more at risk of developing beriberi.

Vegetarian food system
Vitamin D comes in two forms (cholecalciferol and ergocalciferol) and both are found in animal products. Therefore, people who adhere to a strict vegetarian diet and refuse fish, liver, eggs, are prone to this pathology.

Impaired vitamin absorption
In the presence of certain diseases, the body's ability to absorb vitamin D from food is significantly reduced. Inflammatory processes in the organs of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) worsen the absorption functions of the mucosa, which leads to a deficiency of this element. Vitamin D deficiency is often found in patients with Crohn's disease (an inflammatory lesion of the gastrointestinal tract), cystic fibrosis (a pathology of organs that secrete mucus, including the intestines).

Poor processing of the vitamin into its active form
In order for vitamin D to be absorbed by the body, it must be converted to its active form. The processing takes place in the liver, then in the kidneys. Therefore, with a deterioration in the functionality of these organs, a deficiency of this vitamin may develop. The most susceptible to beriberi D due to its poor-quality transformation are people in old age.

Taking medications that interfere with vitamin metabolism
The group of drugs that inhibit the metabolism of vitamin D include antacids (drugs to reduce the acidity of gastric juice). Reduce the quality of assimilation of this vitamin drugs designed to combat high cholesterol. Mineral and synthetic laxatives worsen the exchange of vitamin D.

Signs of vitamin D deficiency in children

The child's muscles become sluggish, and muscle hypotonia develops. It should be noted that children of this age, on the contrary, are characterized by increased muscle tone (hypertonicity). Therefore, when physiological hypertonicity is replaced by hypotonicity, it is immediately noticeable. Children become inactive and lethargic.

Vitamin D deficiency has a major impact on bone structure. So, with avitaminosis D, softening of bone structures and resorption of bone tissue elements occurs. This phenomenon is called osteomalacia. It is caused by a violation of phosphorus-calcium metabolism, which occurs with a lack of vitamin D. It is known that the biological effect of the vitamin is to ensure the absorption of calcium and phosphorus at the intestinal level. After the absorption of these trace elements, they are transported by the blood plasma to the bone structures. Under the influence of parathyroid hormone, bones are saturated with calcium and phosphorus. However, this does not happen with a vitamin deficiency. Therefore, vitamin D deficiency is accompanied by impaired phosphorus-calcium metabolism.

The bone structures of the child become soft and, first of all, this is noticeable on the bones of the skull. The sutures of the skull become pliable, and there is also a delay in the closure of the large fontanel. Later, the curvature of the bones of the arms, legs and spine develops. There is such a symptom as "rachitic rosary". Rosaries are thickenings that form at the junction of the cartilaginous and bone parts of the costal arch. Also, what parents pay attention to is the delay in the appearance of the first teeth, the development of rickets.