How to spot diet deficiencies
We all need to eat a varied and colourful diet. Foods that we regularly need to eat are ones that have good antioxidant activity. These are foods that contain:
- Selenium, Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, Zinc, Vitamin E and Beta Carotene (Vitamin A).
However, if you are aware that your diet may not be ideal, here are some diet deficiencies that can be easily identified:
| Symptom | Require foods containing extra: |
|---|---|
| Cracked sides of lips | Vitamin B (all) |
| Dry scaly behind ears | Vitamin B (all) |
| Changes in the tongue (i.e. cracked or colour changes) | Vitamin B (all) |
| Extreme stress | Vitamin B (all) |
| Dry eyes | Beta carotene (Vitamin A) |
| Night Blindness | Beta carotene (Vitamin A) |
| Acne | Beta carotene (Vitamin A) |
| Dry skin | Beta carotene (Vitamin A) |
| Low immunity | Beta carotene (Vitamin A) |
| Calluses and cracks on heels | Beta carotene (Vitamin A) |
| Goose bump appearance on skin | Beta carotene (Vitamin A) |
| Severe bruising | Vitamin K |
| Easy bruising | Vitamin C |
| Purplish spots on skin | Vitamin C |
| Nervousness | Vitamin B6 Pyridoxine |
| Depression | Vitamin B6 Pyridoxine |
| Dermatitis | Vitamin B Niacin |
| Fatigue | Vitamin B Thiamine |
| Irritability | Vitamin B Thiamine |
| Confusion | Vitamin B Thiamine |
| Appetite loss | Vitamin B Thiamine |
If you are noticing any of these, start introducing foods that are rich in these missing important nutrients as well as asking your local pharmacy about the best type of supplementation for you.
