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Vitamin deficiency in women: symptoms and consequences
Introduction
The female body, due to its physiological characteristics, is subject to unique needs for vitamins and minerals. Hormonal vibrations, reproductive functions, menstrual cycle, pregnancy and menopause – all these factors have a significant impact on metabolism and the need for certain nutrients. The deficiency of vitamins, or hypovitaminosis, in women can manifest themselves with various symptoms and lead to serious health consequences, affecting all body systems – from immune and nervous to bone and reproductive. Awareness of the importance of a balanced diet and timely identification of signs of vitamins deficiency are key to maintaining female health and well -being.
Vitamin A (Retinol)
Vitamin A plays an important role in vision, immune function, growth and development of cells. It is also necessary to maintain the health of the skin and mucous membranes.
Deficiency symptoms:
- Vision problems: The most common symptom of vitamin A deficiency is visual impairment, especially in conditions of low illumination (chicken blindness). Dry eyes (xerophthalmia), clouding of the cornea and, in severe cases, loss of vision can also occur.
- Skin problems: The skin becomes dry, flaky, prone to irritation and the formation of cracks. There may be increased sensitivity to ultraviolet radiation and slow healing of wounds.
- Weakened immunity: Vitamin A deficiency reduces the body’s ability to fight infections, which leads to frequent colds, influenza and other infectious diseases.
- Problems with hair and nails: Hair becomes dry, brittle and split. The nails can become thinner, become brittle and grow slowly.
- Fatigue and weakness: Vitamin A deficiency can lead to general weakness, fatigue and decrease in performance.
- Reproductive problems: In women, vitamin A deficiency can disrupt the menstrual cycle and reduce fertility.
- Slow growth and development (in children and adolescents): Vitamin A is necessary for the normal growth and development of bones, teeth and other tissues.
The consequences of the deficit:
- Xerophthalmia: The severe deficiency of vitamin A can lead to photophalmia, which is characterized by dryness, ulceration and clouding of the cornea, which can lead to blindness.
- Infections: Vitamin A deficiency increases susceptibility to infections, especially respiratory and gastrointestinal diseases.
- Anemia: Vitamin A deficiency may disrupt iron metabolism and lead to iron deficiency anemia.
- Growth delay: In children and adolescents, vitamin A deficiency can slow down growth and development.
- Increased risk of some types of cancer: Some studies show that vitamin A deficiency may increase the risk of developing some types of cancer, such as lung cancer and cervical cancer.
Vitamin B1 (Tiamin)
Tiamine plays a key role in the metabolism of carbohydrates, turning them into energy. It is also necessary for the normal functioning of the nervous system, heart and muscles.
Deficiency symptoms:
- Since The classic manifestation of Tiamin deficiency is Beri-Bury, which is characterized by neurological and cardiovascular disorders.
- Fatigue and weakness: Tiamine deficiency can lead to general weakness, fatigue and decrease in performance.
- Irritability and depression: Thiamine is necessary for the normal operation of the nervous system, so its deficiency can cause irritability, depression and other mental disorders.
- Problems with memory and concentration: Tiamine deficiency can worsen memory, concentration and cognitive functions.
- Numbness and tingling in the limbs: Tiamine deficiency can cause nerves damage, which leads to numbness, tingling and pain in the arms and legs (peripheral neuropathy).
- Muscle weakness: Tiamine deficiency can weaken the muscles and cause muscle weakness.
- Heart problems: Tiamin deficiency can lead to heart failure, an increase in the heart and other cardiovascular problems.
- Nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite: Tiamine deficiency can cause nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite.
The consequences of the deficit:
- Since As already mentioned, Beri Berie is a serious disease that can lead to irreversible damage to the nervous system, heart and other organs.
- Vernike-Korsakova syndrome: This is a neurological disorder, which is characterized by confusion, problems with memory and coordination of movements. It is often found in people suffering from alcoholism and a deficiency of thiamine.
- Heart failure: Tiamin deficiency can aggravate heart failure and lead to death.
- Nerves damage: Tiamine deficiency can cause irreversible damage to nerves, which leads to chronic pain, numbness and weakness.
Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)
Riboflavin is necessary for energy metabolism, growth and development of cells, as well as to maintain the health of the skin, eyes and nervous system.
Deficiency symptoms:
- Inflammation of the mucous membranes: The most common symptom of riboflavin deficiency is inflammation of the mucous membranes, especially in the mouth and throat. This can manifest itself in the form of cracks in the corners of the mouth (angular stomatitis), inflammation of the tongue (glossitis) and inflammation of the mucous membrane of the oral cavity (stomatitis).
- Skin problems: The skin becomes dry, flaky and prone to irritation. Dermatitis can be observed, especially in the face and nasolabial folds.
- Photophobia: Riboflavin deficiency can cause increased sensitivity to light (photophobia).
- Itching and burning in the eyes: Riboflavin deficiency can cause itching, burning and redness of the eyes.
- Vision problems: In rare cases, riboflavin deficiency can lead to vision of vision.
- Anemia: Riboflavin deficiency can disrupt iron metabolism and lead to iron deficiency anemia.
- Fatigue and weakness: Riboflavin deficiency can lead to general weakness, fatigue and decrease in performance.
- Migraine: Some studies show that riboflavin deficiency may be associated with migraine.
The consequences of the deficit:
- Haleose and angular stomatitis: These states can be painful and difficult to eat.
- Glossit: Inflammation of the tongue can cause pain, make it difficult to swallow and change the taste.
- Dermatitis: Skin rashes can be itchy, painful and worsen the quality of life.
- Cataract: A long deficiency of riboflavin can increase the risk of cataracts.
- Anemia: Riboflavin deficiency can aggravate anemia and lead to its complications.
Vitamin B3 (Niacin)
Niacin is necessary for energy exchange, skin health, nervous system and digestive system.
Deficiency symptoms:
- Pellagra: The classic manifestation of Niacin deficiency is Pellagra, which is characterized by a triad of symptoms: dermatitis, diarrhea and dementia (“three D”).
- Dermatitis: The skin becomes dry, flaky, red and inflamed. Rashes usually appear in areas of skin exposed to sunlight, such as the face, neck, arms and legs.
- Diarrhea: Diarye can be persistent and accompanied by abdominal pain.
- Dementia: Niacin deficiency can cause cognitive impairment, such as memory loss, confusion and dementia.
- Inflammation of the tongue and mucous membrane of the oral cavity: The tongue becomes red, painful and swollen. The mucous membrane of the oral cavity can become inflamed and covered with ulcers.
- Nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite: Niacin deficiency can cause nausea, vomiting and loss of appetite.
- Fatigue and weakness: Niacin deficiency can lead to general weakness, fatigue and decrease in performance.
- Headaches: Niacin deficiency can cause headaches.
- Insomnia: Niacin’s deficiency can lead to insomnia.
- Irritability and depression: Niacin deficiency can cause irritability, depression and other mental disorders.
The consequences of the deficit:
- Pellagra: Pellagra is a serious disease that can lead to death if it is not treated.
- Irreversible damage to the nervous system: Niacin deficiency can cause irreversible damage to the nervous system, which leads to dementia and other cognitive disorders.
- Death: In severe cases, niacin deficiency can lead to death.
Vitamin B5 (pantotenic acid)
Pantotenic acid is necessary for energy metabolism, synthesis of hormones and cholesterol, as well as to maintain the health of the skin and hair.
Deficiency symptoms:
The deficiency of pantothenic acid is rare, since it is widespread in food. However, in rare cases, the deficiency can cause the following symptoms:
- Numbness and tingling in the limbs: The deficiency of pantothenic acid can cause numbness and tingling in the arms and legs.
- Burning in the legs: The deficiency of pantothenic acid can cause a burning sensation in the legs, especially at night.
- Fatigue and weakness: The deficiency of pantothenic acid can lead to general weakness, fatigue and a decrease in performance.
- Headaches: Pantothenic acid deficiency can cause headaches.
- Insomnia: Pantothenic acid deficiency can lead to insomnia.
- Irritability: Pantothenic acid deficiency can cause irritability.
- Nausea and vomiting: Pantothenic acid deficiency can cause nausea and vomiting.
- Stomach ache: Pantothenic acid deficiency can cause abdominal pain.
The consequences of the deficit:
The deficiency of pantothenic acid rarely leads to serious consequences, but can worsen the quality of life.
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxin)
Pyridoxine plays an important role in the metabolism of amino acids, a synthesis of neurotransmitters (such as serotonin and dopamine) and the formation of red blood cells.
Deficiency symptoms:
- Anemia: A deficiency of pyridoxine can lead to microcitic anemia, which is characterized by a decrease in the size of red blood cells.
- Skin problems: The skin becomes dry, flaky and prone to irritation. Dermatitis can be observed, especially in the face, neck and chest.
- Inflammation of the mucous membranes: Inflammation of the tongue (glossitis), cracks in the corners of the mouth (angular stomatitis) and inflammation of the mucous membrane of the oral cavity (stomatitis).
- Numbness and tingling in the limbs: The deficiency of pyridoxine can cause damage to nerves, which leads to numbness, tingling and pain in the arms and legs (peripheral neuropathy).
- Depression and anxiety: Pyridoxine is necessary for the synthesis of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine, which play an important role in the regulation of mood. Its deficiency can cause depression, anxiety and other mental disorders.
- Irritability: Pyridoxine deficiency can cause irritability and nervousness.
- Convulsions: In severe cases, a pyridoxine deficiency can lead to seizures.
- Weak immunity: Pyridoxine deficiency reduces the body’s ability to fight infections.
The consequences of the deficit:
- Anemia: Pyridoxine deficiency can aggravate anemia and lead to its complications.
- Nerves damage: Pyridoxine deficiency can cause irreversible damage to nerves, which leads to chronic pain, numbness and weakness.
- Mental disorders: Pyridoxine deficiency can aggravate depression, anxiety and other mental disorders.
- Increased risk of cardiovascular disease: Some studies show that pyridoxine deficiency can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
Vitamin B7 (Biotin)
Biotin is necessary for the metabolism of fats, carbohydrates and proteins, as well as to maintain healthy skin, hair and nails.
Deficiency symptoms:
Biotin deficiency is rare, since it is produced by intestinal bacteria and is contained in many foods. However, in rare cases, the deficiency can cause the following symptoms:
- Hair loss: Biotin deficiency can lead to hair loss, which can be significant.
- Skin problems: The skin becomes dry, flaky and prone to irritation. Dermatitis can be observed, especially in the face.
- Fitty nails: Nails become brittle, thin and grow slowly.
- Conjunctivitis: Biotin deficiency can cause inflammation of the mucous membrane of the eye (conjunctivitis).
- Fatigue and weakness: Biotin deficiency can lead to general weakness, fatigue and a decrease in performance.
- Depression: Biotin deficiency can cause depression.
- Numbness and tingling in the limbs: Biotin deficiency can cause numbness and tingling in the arms and legs.
- Muscle pain: Biotin deficiency can cause muscle pain.
The consequences of the deficit:
- Hair loss: Biotin deficiency can lead to significant hair loss, which can be cosmetically undesirable.
- Problems with skin and nails: Biotin deficiency can worsen the condition of the skin and nails.
Vitamin B9 (folic acid)
Folic acid is necessary for the growth and division of cells, especially during pregnancy. It also plays an important role in the formation of red blood cells and the prevention of defects in the nervous tube in the fetus.
Deficiency symptoms:
- Megaloblastic anemia: Folic acid deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anemia, which is characterized by an increase in the size of red blood cells.
- Fatigue and weakness: Folic acid deficiency can lead to general weakness, fatigue and reduction in performance.
- Irritability: Folic acid deficiency can cause irritability.
- Headaches: Folic acid deficiency can cause headaches.
- Inflammation of the tongue and mucous membrane of the oral cavity: The tongue becomes red, painful and swollen. The mucous membrane of the oral cavity can become inflamed and covered with ulcers.
- Diarrhea: Folic acid deficiency can cause diarrhea.
- Problems with memory and concentration: Folic acid deficiency can worsen memory, concentration and cognitive functions.
- Fruit nervous tube defects: Deficiency of folic acid during pregnancy can lead to defects in the nerve tube in the fetus, such as the back of bifid.
The consequences of the deficit:
- Megaloblastic anemia: Folic acid deficiency can aggravate anemia and lead to its complications.
- Fruit nervous tube defects: Folic acid deficiency during pregnancy can lead to serious congenital defects in a child.
- Increased risk of cardiovascular disease: Some studies show that folic acid deficiency can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
- Increased risk of some types of cancer: Some studies show that folic acid deficiency can increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as colon cancer.
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)
Cobalamin is necessary for the normal operation of the nervous system, the formation of red blood cells and DNA synthesis.
Deficiency symptoms:
- Megaloblastic anemia: Cobalamine deficiency can lead to megaloblastic anemia, which is characterized by an increase in the size of red blood cells.
- Fatigue and weakness: Cobalamine deficiency can lead to general weakness, fatigue and a decrease in performance.
- Numbness and tingling in the limbs: Cobalamine deficiency can cause nerves damage, which leads to numbness, tingling and pain in the arms and legs (peripheral neuropathy).
- Problems with memory and concentration: Cobalamine deficiency can worsen memory, concentration and cognitive functions.
- Depression and anxiety: Cobalamine deficiency can cause depression, anxiety and other mental disorders.
- Irritability: Cobalamine deficiency can cause irritability.
- Loss of balance and coordination: Cobalamine deficiency can cause problems with equilibrium and coordination of movements.
- Inflammation of the tongue and mucous membrane of the oral cavity: The tongue becomes red, painful and swollen. The mucous membrane of the oral cavity can become inflamed and covered with ulcers.
- Diarrhea or constipation: Cobalamine deficiency can cause diarrhea or constipation.
The consequences of the deficit:
- Megaloblastic anemia: Cobalamin deficiency can aggravate anemia and lead to its complications.
- Nerves damage: Cobalamine deficiency can cause irreversible damage to nerves, which leads to chronic pain, numbness and weakness.
- Mental disorders: Cobalamine deficiency can aggravate depression, anxiety and other mental disorders.
- Dementia: A prolonged deficiency of cobalamin can increase the risk of dementia.
- Increased risk of cardiovascular disease: Some studies show that cobalamine deficiency can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid)
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant necessary for the synthesis of collagen, strengthen the immune system and protect the cells from damage.
Deficiency symptoms:
- CINGA: The classic manifestation of vitamin C deficiency is scurvy, which is characterized by bleeding gums, tooth loss, hemorrhages under the skin and slow healing of wounds.
- Fatigue and weakness: Vitamin C deficiency can lead to general weakness, fatigue and decrease in performance.
- Irritability: Vitamin C deficiency can cause irritability.
- Pain in muscles and joints: Vitamin C deficiency can cause muscles and joint pain.
- Bleeding gums: Vitamin C deficiency weakens the walls of blood vessels, which leads to bleeding gums, especially when brushing teeth.
- Slow healing of wounds: Vitamin C is necessary for the synthesis of collagen, which plays an important role in wound healing. Its deficiency can slow down the healing of wounds.
- Dryness and peeling of the skin: Vitamin C deficiency can lead to dryness and peeling of the skin.
- Bruises: Vitamin C deficiency weakens the walls of blood vessels, which leads to the formation of bruises even with minor injuries.
- Anemia: Vitamin C deficiency can disrupt iron metabolism and lead to iron deficiency anemia.
- Weak immunity: Vitamin C deficiency reduces the body’s ability to fight infections.
The consequences of the deficit:
- CINGA: Cing is a serious disease that can lead to death if it is not treated.
- Weakened immunity: Vitamin C deficiency increases the susceptibility to infections.
- Anemia: Vitamin C deficiency can aggravate anemia and lead to its complications.
- Increased risk of cardiovascular disease: Some studies show that vitamin C deficiency can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
- Increased risk of some types of cancer: Some studies show that vitamin C deficiency can increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer.
Vitamin D (calciferol)
Vitamin D is necessary for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, which are important to the health of bones and teeth. It also plays a role in immune function, cell growth and neuromuscular transmission.
Deficiency symptoms:
- Fatigue and weakness: Vitamin D deficiency can lead to general weakness, fatigue and decrease in performance.
- Bone pain and muscles: Vitamin D deficiency can cause pain in bones and muscles, especially in the back, legs and ribs.
- Muscle weakness: Vitamin D deficiency can weaken the muscles and cause muscle weakness.
- Depression: Vitamin D deficiency can cause depression.
- Increased risk of falls: Vitamin D deficiency increases the risk of falls, especially in the elderly.
- Soreness when pressed on bones: Vitamin D deficiency can cause soreness when pressed on the bone, especially on the lower leg and ribs.
- Frequent fractures: A long deficiency of vitamin D can increase the risk of bone fractures.
- Osteomulation: In adults, vitamin D deficiency can lead to osteomination, which is characterized by softening of bones.
- Rakhite: In children, vitamin D deficiency can lead to rickets, which is characterized by bone deformation.
- Weak immunity: Vitamin D deficiency reduces the body’s ability to fight infections.
The consequences of the deficit:
- Osteoporosis: A long deficiency of vitamin D can lead to osteoporosis, which is characterized by a decrease in bone density and an increased risk of fractures.
- Osteomulation: Osteomlation can cause pain in bones and muscles, as well as increase the risk of fractures.
- Rakhite: Racititis can lead to bone deformation and growth retardation in children.
- Increased risk of cardiovascular disease: Some studies show that vitamin D deficiency can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
- Increased risk of some types of cancer: Some studies show that vitamin D deficiency can increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer.
- Autoimmune diseases: Some studies show that vitamin D deficiency can be associated with an increased risk of developing autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
Vitamin E (Tocopherol)
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant that protects the cells from damage caused by free radicals. It also plays an important role in the immune function and skin health.
Deficiency symptoms:
Vitamin E deficiency is rare, since it is widespread in food. However, in rare cases, the deficiency can cause the following symptoms:
- Muscle weakness: Vitamin E deficiency can weaken the muscles and cause muscle weakness.
- Coordination problems: Vitamin E deficiency can cause problems with coordination of movements.
- Numbness and tingling in the limbs: Vitamin E deficiency can cause damage to nerves, which leads to numbness, tingling and pain in the arms and legs (peripheral neuropathy).
- Vision problems: Vitamin E deficiency can lead to damage to the retina and visual impairment.
- Weak immunity: Vitamin E deficiency reduces the body’s ability to fight infections.
The consequences of the deficit:
- Damage to the nervous system: Vitamin E deficiency can cause irreversible damage to the nervous system, which leads to chronic pain, numbness, weakness and problems with coordination.
- Vision problems: Vitamin E deficiency can lead to blindness.
- Weak immunity: Vitamin E deficiency increases the susceptibility to infections.
- Increased risk of cardiovascular disease: Some studies show that vitamin E deficiency can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases.
- Increased risk of some types of cancer: Some studies show that vitamin E deficiency may increase the risk of developing certain types of cancer.
Vitamin K (Phillokhinon)
Vitamin K is necessary for coagulation of blood and bone health.
Deficiency symptoms:
Vitamin K deficiency is rare in healthy adults, since it is produced by intestinal bacteria and is found in many foods. However, in newborns and people with diseases that violate the absorption of fats, the deficiency can cause the following symptoms:
- Bleeding: Vitamin K deficiency disrupts blood coagulation and increases the risk of bleeding, such as bleeding from the nose, gums, gastrointestinal tract and under the skin (bruises).
- Easy bruises: Vitamin K deficiency weakens the walls of blood vessels, which leads to the formation of bruises even with minor injuries.
- Hemorrhages for the skin: The deficiency of vitamin K can lead to hemorrhages under the skin in the form of small red dots (Petecia) or large spots (ecchimoses).
- Bleeding in newborns: Vitamin K deficiency in newborns can cause serious bleeding, including intracranial hemorrhages.
- Osteoporosis: A prolonged deficiency of vitamin K can increase the risk of osteoporosis.
The consequences of the deficit:
- Bleeding: Bleeding can be life -threatening, especially in newborn and people with diseases that violate blood coagulation.
- Hemorrhagic disease of newborns: This is a serious disease that can lead to the death of a newborn.
- Osteoporosis: A long deficiency of vitamin K can lead to osteoporosis and increased risk of fractures.
Risk factors for the development of vitamin deficiency in women
Several factors can increase the risk of developing vitamins in women:
- Unstable nutrition: Diets limited in certain groups of products can lead to a deficiency of vitamins.
- Strict weight loss diets: Restrictive diets aimed at rapid weight loss often do not provide the body with a sufficient amount of vitamins and minerals.
- Vegetarianism and veganism: Vegetarians and vegans must carefully plan their diet in order to receive enough vitamin B12, vitamin D, iron and other important nutrients.
- Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract: Diseases, such as Crohn’s disease, celiac disease and ulcerative colitis, can violate the absorption of vitamins and minerals.
- Surgical interventions on the gastrointestinal tract: Operations, such as resection of the stomach or intestines, can violate the absorption of vitamins and minerals.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: During pregnancy and breastfeeding, the need for vitamins and minerals increases significantly.
- Menopause: Hormonal changes during menopause can affect the metabolism of vitamins and minerals.
- Taking some drugs: Some drugs, such as antibiotics, anticonvulsants and oral contraceptives, can affect the absorption of vitamins and minerals.
- Alcohol abuse: Alcohol violates the absorption of vitamins and minerals and can lead to their deficiency.
- Smoking: Smoking reduces the level of vitamin C in the body.
- Age: Older people have an increased risk of vitamin D and vitamin B12 deficiency.
- Genetic factors: Some genetic factors can affect the metabolism of vitamins and minerals.
- Certain ethnic groups: People with dark skin have an increased risk of developing vitamin D, especially in regions with low solar activity.
Diagnosis of vitamin deficiency
Diagnosis of vitamin deficiency usually includes:
- A history of anamnesis: The doctor will ask questions about your diet, lifestyle, medications taken and the presence of any diseases.
- Physical examination: The doctor will conduct a physical examination to identify any signs of vitamins deficiency.
- Laboratory research: A blood test can be used to determine the level of vitamins in the body.
- Other research: In some cases, additional studies can be required, such as urine analysis or bone marrow biopsy.
Prevention of vitamin deficiency
Prevention of vitamin deficiency includes:
- Balanced nutrition: Try to consume a variety of products from all groups, including fruits, vegetables, whole grain products, dairy products, meat, poultry and fish.
- Reception of vitamin additives: If you do not get enough vitamins from food, consider taking vitamin additives. Consult with your doctor to determine which additives you need.
- Sufficient stay in the sun: Staying in the sun helps the body to produce vitamin D. Try to spend at least 15-20 minutes a day in the sun, especially in the summer months.
- Avoid alcohol abuse and smoking: Alcohol and smoking violate the absorption of vitamins and minerals.
- Timely treat diseases of the gastrointestinal tract: Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract can violate absorption