subject: Common Dietary Deficiencies [print this page] Common Dietary Deficiencies Common Dietary Deficiencies
Sometimes even when we try to eat a balanced diet we come up short on some nutrients. It's a good idea to try to get as many nutrients as possible from the foods we eat, but when that's not possible, dietary supplements are another option for getting important vitamins and minerals. Here are some common dietary deficiencies and foods that can help you consume enough of them.
Vitamin B12
A lack of vitamin B12 affects more than 10% of people over age 60, due to decreased absorption of this substance through the intestinal tract. Foods that are high in vitamin B12 include shellfish, liver, caviar, beef, cheese, eggs, and fish. Deficiency of vitamin B12 can result in digestive and neurological problems, and in serious cases, anemia.
Vitamin C
Too little vitamin C can result in a disease called scurvy, which can occur in elderly and hospitalized patients and in people who regularly avoid fruits and vegetables. Smokers have a higher risk of vitamin C deficiency than non-smokers. Fortunately, sources of vitamin C are readily available in oranges, grapefruit, apricots, pineapples, peaches, strawberries, peppers, and broccoli.
Vitamin D
A deficiency of vitamin D can eventually result in rickets, which is a disease that deforms the bones. Rickets is very uncommon in the United States, but low vitamin D levels are fairly common due to lack of exposure to sunlight and low intake of foods high in vitamin D. Good sources of vitamin D, besides sunlight, include fish, and milk and soymilk that has been fortified.
Iron
Iron deficiency is more common in women who are pregnant, and who are in their child-bearing years. Iron deficiency can cause anemia, which is the most common deficiency in the world. Besides dietary supplements, iron can be found in chicken livers, beef, Swiss chard, turnip greens, figs, tofu, soybeans, and chick peas.
Calcium
While some sources state that 1,500 mg per day is needed by most people, the exact amount of calcium needed is the subject of some debate. Growing children, women of childbearing age, and pregnant women should make sure they consume enough calcium. It's found in dairy products, as well as collard greens, rhubarb, and soybeans.
Fortunately, vitamin and mineral deficiencies severe enough to cause disease are rare in developed countries. Even so, many people do not consume optimum levels of recommended vitamins and minerals. Dietary supplements can ensure that you get enough of the nutrients your body needs to function to its best potential.
welcome to Insurances.net (https://www.insurances.net)
