Vitamin deficiencies occur when there's an insufficient intake or absorption of vital vitamins required by the body.
Given that each vitamin has its unique role, their deficiencies can lead to a spectrum of health problems.
In the context of social and preventive pharmacy and social and health education, understanding these deficiencies, their causes, symptoms, and prevention is paramount.
Common Vitamin Deficiencies:
1. Vitamin A:
Important for vision, growth, and immune function.
Deficiency Symptoms: Night blindness, dry skin, poor growth, increased susceptibility to infections.
Causes: Limited intake of foods high in vitamin A, malabsorption disorders, or chronic alcoholism.
2. Vitamin D:
Crucial for calcium and phosphate metabolism, and bone health.
Deficiency Symptoms: Rickets in children, osteomalacia in adults, muscle weakness, and bone pain.
Causes: Limited sun exposure, insufficient dietary intake, malabsorption, or liver/kidney diseases.
3. Vitamin E:
An antioxidant that protects cells from damage.
Deficiency Symptoms: Neuromuscular problems, muscle weakness, visual disturbances.
Causes: Rare but can arise from malabsorption disorders.
4. Vitamin K:
Vital for blood clotting.
Deficiency Symptoms: Excessive bleeding, easy bruising.
Causes: Prolonged use of antibiotics, malabsorption disorders, or certain anticoagulant drugs.
5. Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid):
Important for collagen synthesis, antioxidant function, and iron absorption.
Deficiency Symptoms: Scurvy, characterized by fatigue, swollen gums, joint pain, and anemia.
Causes: Insufficient dietary intake, especially in populations with limited access to fresh fruits and vegetables.
6. B-Vitamins:
These include B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin), B6 (pyridoxine), B12 (cobalamin), folic acid, pantothenic acid, and biotin.
Deficiency Symptoms: Vary for each, but can include fatigue, anemia, skin disorders, nerve damage, and cognitive disturbances.
Causes: Limited dietary intake, alcoholism, malabsorption disorders, certain medications, or increased physiological demand.
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