5 Signs of Vitamin Deficiency -- Here's What You Can Do

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Feb 01, 2016 04:30 AM EST

Vitamin deficiency may not be a serious condition compared to other diseases. However, when your body lacks the nutrients, it can affect bodily functions and disrupt cell activity. It can also trigger serious medical conditions.

Below are the signs to watch out for when you're vitamin deficient:

1) You're losing hair and you have rashes on your face.

If you're you have problems with hair fall and hair loss, and also developing skin rashes, it could be a sign of deficiencies in vitamin A, B7 (biotin), D, E and K. Your body might also be deprived of zinc. To fix this condition, add avocados, whole grain, dried fruits, button mushrooms and dairy products in your diet. However, maintain a healthy diet of eggs to a minimum as overeating could prevent the absorption of biotin, Breaking Muscle cited.

2) You experience muscle cramps or stabbing pains on the legs and feet.

If this happens often especially after a good workout or physical activity, your body is signaling it's lacking in potassium, calcium and magnesium. Add bananas, broccoli, spinach and other dark leafy veggies in your diet. Also, enjoy almonds and hazelnuts for snacks, along with apple, grapefruit and cherries. Medline Plus stated that a lack of potassium could result in life-threatening paralysis if left unchecked.

3) Your lips are dry and the corners are cracking.

You could be lacking in zinc, iron, vitamin B3 (niacin), B2 (riboflavin) and B12 (cobalamin). Some vegetarians may experience this because they do not get enough of the required nutrients from their kind of diet. Source these vitamins from spinach, almonds, quinoa, prunes, peanut butter, potatoes, tomatoes and soy products, One Green Planet cited. If you're not vegan, you can have poultry, salmon, tuna and eggs in your diet to gain the needed vitamins.

4) You're growing acne on your cheeks despite being past the adolescent stage. You're also growing acne on your arms, thighs and buttocks.

This signals a lack in vitamin A and D and a diet full of trans fats and saturated fat. Decrease your intake of these fats and replace your diet with more fish, nuts and vegetables, Latinos Health previously reported. Also, increase your intake of foods rich in beta carotene like carrots and sweet potatoes.

5) You're extremities often itch, burn or turn numb.

Your nerves are making your skin more sensitive because the body lacks vitamin B6 (pyridoxine), B9 (folate) and B12. You're likely to also feel more exhausted and can potentially develop anemia because of this deficiency. To correct this, have more dark green leafy vegetables, legumes, eggs and seafood in your meals.

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