In today’s modern society, there really shouldn’t be any reason for vitamin deficiencies but due to poor dietary habits we may still find that we are not getting all the correct nutrients we require for a healthy diet.
Blood tests can usually help verify whether you are lacking in any of these vitamins or minerals but you can prevent them by ensuring you get a diet rich in healthy foods – fruit, vegetables, and other whole foods.
1. Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is found primarily in animal products and as such the deficiency is very common with vegetarians and the elderly.
When a breast-feeding mother is deficient in vitamin B12 this can also cause problems in the development of her child [1].
A vitamin B12 deficiency may lead to depression and other mental and emotional disorders [2], increased bodily pains [3], fatigue, weakness and loss of memory[4].
2. Iron
Iron is essential in the production of red blood cells which are responsible for transporting oxygen around our bodies and a deficiency in this nutrient can lead to anemia [5]. Iron is also involved in the production of ATP which is an important energy source in our bodies[6].
Iron is found in organ meats, lean red meat, poultry, fish, shellfish, dried beans, peas, legumes, nuts, seeds and green leafy vegetables.