Uncovering a Vitamin Deficiency
Vitamin deficiencies, even in our contemporary society, are not uncommon. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the rate of nutrient deficiencies in the general US population ranges from less than 1% for certain vitamins like folate, and vitamin A, up to 10% for vitamin B6 and vitamin D. Factors like age, sex, race, and socio-economic status impact these deficiency rates as well.
Vitamin deficiencies can result from genetics, co-occurring health conditions or a diet that lacks essential micronutrients. When they occur, they can harm the body and increase risks for health complications. Different deficiencies can cause different symptoms, however there are some common signs to pay attention to.
While detecting nutritional deficiencies through symptoms can be done, there are also tests that can accurately diagnose nutritional and mineral deficiencies.
Common Signs of a Nutritional Deficiency
Everyone knows that a balanced, healthy diet is something that can guide you towards optimal wellness. However, how do you know if you’re getting all the nutrients and minerals your body needs? There are a number of signs to pay attention to in order to uncover a deficiency and fix it.
- Severe Hair Loss: Everyone loses hair, in fact most people lose up to 100 strands a day. But, if you’re finding clumps of hair on your pillow or in your drain after showering, it may be a sign that you are low in iron. Low iron levels can also affect your energy levels, bring on headaches, make you dizzy, and make you feel cold.
Brittle hair is also a sign that you may have a nutritional deficiency. Hair is made up of mostly protein which makes it a good diagnostic marker when looking for deficiencies. A deficit of essential fatty acids, protein, iron, and other nutrients may lead to brittle hair.
- Unexplained Fatigue & Muscle Weakness: Being tired happens to everyone, but unexplained exhaustion should not be ignored. Fatigue is usually one of the first signs of anemia, which also signals a deficiency in iron, or vitamin B12. Muscle weakness may signify a low level of vitamin D in the body which can also cause bone pain.
- Irregular Heartbeat: Calcium regulates your heartbeat, so if you’re experiencing an irregular heartbeat, it may be because you’re lacking calcium in your body. Other symptoms include twitches in your face, muscle cramps, and fractures.
- Constipation or Diarrhea: These two symptoms are opposite, but both affect the gastrointestinal tract. Being constipated can be a symptom of a few nutritional deficiencies. A lack of vitamin B12, potassium, and vitamin D are strongly linked to constipation.
Diarrhea may be a sign of malabsorption, which means nutrients are not being fully absorbed by the body. Malabsorption can be triggered by infection, surgery, certain drugs, heavy alcohol use, and digestive disorders such as celiac sprue and Crohn’s disease.
- Poor Night Vision: This may be an alarming symptom, but a loss of night vision is commonly linked to a deficiency in vitamin A. Vitamin A is necessary to produce rhodopsin, a pigment found in the retina of each eye that helps you see at night. If this symptom is left unchecked, it can cause more serious symptoms and damage the cornea.
Nutritional deficiencies are less common than they once were, but they can still cause some serious health issues if left untreated. Lacking essential nutrients and minerals can negatively impact your lifestyle, well-being, and health, so it’s important to pay attention to your body and see a healthcare provider when changes occur.
Diagnosing a nutritional deficiency is most accurately done through a blood or genetic test. Completing one of these tests will give you definitive answers on what is happening with your body and the level of nutrients it is absorbing.
10X Health Precision Genetic Test
One of the most precise ways of identifying nutritional deficiencies is through the 10X Health Precision Genetic Test. This one-time test analyzes over 50 genes in the body to calculate how they are working. It also identifies any nutritional deficiencies you may have and recommends which supplements you should add to your routine to fix those deficiencies.
Different bodies use nutrition differently based on genes. The Precision Genetic Test pinpoints what vitamins and minerals work best for you based on your genes, then offers personalized vitamins and supplements to ensure you are getting exactly what you need to reach your optimal wellness.
Completing the 10X Health Precision Genetic Test will give you all the answers you need to know about your personal nutrition. Identifying not only what deficiencies you have, but also providing a plan for fixing those deficiencies so that you can be the best version of yourself is what the Precision Test delivers.
Order the 10X Health Precision Test today to unlock the keys to your personal nutrition and get on the road to your optimal wellness!
