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Vitamin deficiency is the condition of a long-term lack of a vitamin. When caused by not enough vitamin intake it is classified as a primary deficiency, whereas when due to an underlying disorder such as malabsorption it is called a secondary deficiency. An underlying disorder can have 2 main causes:
Lack of vitamin B12 can cause megaloblastic anemia—a condition characterized by larger than normal red blood cells in a smaller than normal amount. This causes fatigue, paleness in the skin ...
Vitamin B 12 deficiency can be determined, but not always. [14] This means it measures forms of vitamin B 12 that are "active" and can be used by the body, as well as the "inactive" forms, which cannot. [150] Vitamin B 12 deficiency can be found within normal levels, so clinical symptoms should be taken into account when a diagnosis is made. [2]
Vitamin D deficiency is typically diagnosed by measuring the concentration of the 25-hydroxyvitamin D in the blood, which is the most accurate measure of stores of vitamin D in the body. [ 1 ] [ 7 ] [ 2 ] One nanogram per millilitre ( 1 ng/mL ) is equivalent to 2.5 nanomoles per litre ( 2.5 nmol/L ).
Signs of a vitamin D deficiency. Infants and children with severe vitamin D deficiency are at risk for a condition called Rickets, says Prest. “This is where the arms and legs can become bowed ...
Pernicious anemia is the most common cause of clinically evident vitamin B 12 deficiency worldwide. [14] Pernicious anemia due to autoimmune problems occurs in about one per 1000 people in the US. Among those over the age of 60, about 2% have the condition. [8] It more commonly affects people of northern European descent. [2]
Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms In addition to weakness and fatigue, a B12 deficiency may also prompt a slew of other symptoms, depending on the severity, including: pale skin
Secondary deficiencies are typically caused by the body not being able to use the vitamin, or by an increased rate of excretion of the vitamin. [10] Diet patterns that increase risk of deficiency include veganism and low-dairy vegetarianism. [5] Diseases such as cancer, heart disease and diabetes may cause or exacerbate riboflavin deficiency. [4]