Vitamins are organic molecules that help the body in its growth, functioning and metabolism. The body needs 13 essential vitamins for all its functions, which cannot be made adequately by the body, hence have to be taken from food. Deficiency of any one or more vitamins manifests in various ways. Deficiency of Retinol (vitamin A) results in diminished vision in night, dry eyes, white opaque spots within the eyes known as Bitot’s spots. In extreme cases, there can also be problems of skin, heart, lungs, tissues and immune system. Thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency is manifested as extreme fatigue, irritability, mood changes, poor digestion. There may be insomnia or poor-quality sleep with frequent waking. Thiamine deficiency also damages the nerves causing tingling, numbness, burning sensation in legs, muscle cramps, weakness. Riboflavin (vitamin B2) deficiency is manifested as cracked angles of mouth, sore throat, skin rashes. It can also cause hair fall and hard, brittle hair. Niacin (vitamin B3) deficiency results in poor digestion, abdominal cramps, extreme deficiency results in rough skin, hair loss and thinning of hair line, forgetfulness, confusion, and diarrhoea. Deficiency of Adenine (vitamin B4) results in poor concentration, easy fatigue. Whereas pantothenic acid (vitamin B5) deficiency results in skin dryness, irritation and or itching, stomach discomfort, extreme tiredness. Burning feet syndrome occurs due to deficiency of pyridoxine (vitamin B6). It also results in sores at angles of mouth, swollen, red tongue. Vitamin B7 (biotin) deficiency causes physical signs like hair loss and scaly red rashes around the face and eyes. While rare, a severe lack of this vitamin affects skin, hair, and nervous system. Vitamin B9 (folate), if inadequate in body results in anaemia, sore tongue and mouth ulcers. Vitamins B8, B10, B11, are not essential human vitamins and there is no known deficiency linked to it. Whereas vitamin B12 (cyancobalamin) deficiency causes neuropathy, imbalance of body on walking, anaemia, swollen, red, bald tongue. Bleeding gums, slow healing of wounds, easy bruising, spontaneous bruising without any trauma, can occur due to deficiency of vitamin C (Ascorbic acid). Immunity of a person is also reduced, making him or her more vulnerable to any infection. Vitamin D (cholecalciferol), deficiency causes bone pain, muscle weakness, fogginess, memory loss, fatigue, weak bones. As such vitamin E (Tocopherol) deficiency is very rare. But when present, it manifests as muscle weakness, muscle cramps, reduced coordination of body, tingling and numbness of limbs. Vitamin K is not a single molecule but is a family of fat-soluble compounds sharing a common ring structure. Deficiency causes easy bleeding, which may be even spontaneous and can also cause bony weakness. In a nutshell, one can see how important vitamins are for our overall health. Severity of symptoms depends on amount and duration of deficiency. Being aware of these various manifestations caused by deficiency of one or more vitamins, a person can know early if deficiency occurs and correct it by suitable diet and if more, use supplements. Regular consumption of green leafy and other fresh vegetables, nuts, berries, yellow, red fruits, whole grains, seeds, natural plant oils, milk and milk products, healthy meat products, eggs, helps in providing all necessary vitamins needed by human body. Exposure of the body to sun light is necessary to obtain vitamin D naturally, therefore in areas with extreme cold weather, where sunlight is very less, people often develop vitamin D deficiency. One may have deficiency of one more vitamin. Confirmation of deficiency and its severity can be assessed by suitable blood tests, which show the level of concerned vitamin. If any underlying disease process is causing the deficiency, it can be corrected by relevant, adequate treatment. The writer is a specialist in internal medicine
