The human body gives us subtle (and sometimes not-so-subtle) clues when it’s missing key nutrients. Symptoms of nutrient deficiencies can vary by vitamin and/or mineral and can include fatigue, weakness, anxiety, depression, weight changes and more. When mysterious symptoms begin to appear, we often forget to check our medicine cabinets for the cause.
Prescription medications are often helpful and necessary for symptom management and the treatment of certain conditions. However, prescription medications can contribute to nutrient depletion that is sometimes overlooked by the prescribing physician. When taking prescription medication, it is important to know what nutrient intakes may result from using your prescription medications so that you can increase your intake of certain dietary nutrients and supplements while using medications.
Below, we highlight common nutrient deficiencies as well as medications that can contribute to nutrient depletion and some simple solutions to increase your intake.
Iron is the most common nutrient deficiency in the world and one of the most common deficiencies in the United States. Women and children are the most vulnerable to iron deficiency. Symptoms of iron deficiency may include nail discoloration and/or brittle fingernails, cold hands and feet, irregular heartbeat, headache, fatigue, and dizziness.
Other Considerations: Alcohol consumption, caffeine consumption, low stomach acid, and malabsorption (celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or IBS) can contribute to iron deficiency.
Foods/supplements to include : Include grass-fed beef, lamb, pasture-raised chicken, nuts, seeds, beets and green vegetables. Vitamin C will also help your body absorb iron, so be sure to include plenty of fresh produce in your diet. Supplement with plant-based iron, food-based iron, or a glycinate form of iron, if needed.
Iodine is an essential nutrient that helps our body produce thyroid hormones and regulates growth and development. Table (iodized) salt is used worldwide to prevent iodine deficiency. Iodine deficiency is the most preventable cause of mental retardation in newborns. Iodine deficiency is the most common cause of an enlarged thyroid (goiter) worldwide. Symptoms of iodine deficiency include weight gain, thyroid imbalances, lack of energy, depression, and cognitive decline.
Other Considerations: It should be noted that both high and low iodine can negatively impact thyroid levels.
Foods/supplements to include: Include foods such as pasture-raised eggs, fatty fish (like tuna, salmon, and sardines), and/or shellfish (like shrimp and scallops). Sea vegetables are a wonderful vegetarian source of iodine. Supplement with a professional-grade multivitamin that contains iodine like Neuro Nutrients 2.
Vitamin D is the sunshine vitamin, so levels naturally decline for most individuals during the winter months. Recent research has shown that vitamin D works like a hormone, so maintaining optimal levels of vitamin D is important for hormonal health. Vitamin D deficiency can cause a variety of symptoms such as depression, anxiety, fatigue, weakness, low immunity, hormonal imbalances and weight gain.
Other considerations:Lack of sunlight, malabsorption (celiac, Crohn’s disease, or IBS), and alcohol consumption can contribute to vitamin D deficiency.
Foods/Supplements to Include: Include egg yolks, fatty fish (think salmon, sardines, and tuna), and mushrooms in your diet. If vitamin D levels are low, it is recommended to include vitamin D supplementation. The correct dosage of vitamin D will depend on your level of deficiency.
Vitamin B12 is a unique vitamin because it is the only vitamin that requires an intrinsic factor for its absorption. Intrinsic factor naturally declines as we age, making vitamin B12 deficiency more common in older people. A Tufts University study of 3,000 adults found that almost 40% had B12 levels low enough to cause neurological symptoms. Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include fatigue, weakness, nail discoloration, easy bruising, neurological symptoms, and mouth and tongue sores. Symptoms of vitamin B deficiency can include weakness, heart palpitations, pale skin, constipation, diarrhea, nerve problems, vision loss, and depression.
Other Considerations:Low stomach acid, alcohol consumption, and H. pylori infections can contribute to vitamin B12 deficiency.
Foods/supplements to include: Include grass-fed beef, fatty fish (think salmon, sardines, or tuna), eggs, and fortified nutritional yeast. Supplement the diet with a methylated B-complex (which includes methylated B12). If the deficiency is severe, talk to your healthcare professional about vitamin B12 injections.
Magnesium is a relaxing mineral and one of the most common mineral deficiencies. Our food supply was once naturally high in magnesium, but the soil has become depleted over time. Symptoms of magnesium deficiency can include migraines, insomnia, anxiety, muscle twitches, cramps and tremors.
Other Considerations: Alcohol consumption, caffeine consumption, and calcium supplementation can contribute to magnesium deficiency.
Foods/Supplements to Include: Include leafy greens, black beans, dark chocolate, almonds, bananas, and avocados. Supplement with a good quality magnesium supplement.
Zinc is a fundamental mineral known for its role in immune function. Symptoms of zinc deficiency can include acne, eczema, diarrhea, hair loss, psychological disturbances and lack of appetite.
Other Considerations: Alcohol consumption, coffee consumption, and malabsorption (celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, or IBS) can contribute to zinc deficiency.
Foods/supplements to include: Include pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, lentils, cashews, chickpeas, turkey, and quinoa. Supplement with a professional-grade multivitamin that contains zinc and/or a zinc supplement with balanced copper.
If you have any questions or concerns about your medications and how they may affect your nutrition, contact a clinician today!
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The information provided by Origin26 is intended for informational purposes only. The information is not intended to replace a relationship with your physician or other healthcare professional. You should not rely on this information as professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping or changing any dietary supplement or before changing or stopping any treatment prescribed by a doctor. In the event of a health emergency, seek immediate assistance from emergency personnel. Never delay obtaining medical advice or disregard medical advice because of something you have or have not read on this site. Origin26 products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
For your health, eat at least 5 fruits and vegetables a day.
For your health, eat at least 5 fruits and vegetables a day, practice regular physical activity, avoid eating too much fat, too much sugar, too much salt and snacking between meals. Or 4 vegetables and 1 fruit… If you eat less, know that even slightly increasing your consumption of vegetables and fruits is good for your health. The ideal is to alternate between fruits and vegetables, to diversify their varieties and to include them as often as possible in your recipes: gratins, savory or sweet pies…
Disclaimer. Origin26 cures, benefits and services are not sold to diagnose or prevent or even to treat pathologies. If you have a disease, consult your doctor. Tip: Pregnant and breastfeeding women, children under 12 and people on medical treatment should generally refrain from using nutritional supplements, unless prescribed by their regular doctor. For any health problem, we ask you to consult a health professional, for example in the following cases: You wish to modify the treatment you are currently using, you wish to suspend the treatment you are currently using, you wish to start a new treatment.
