Vitamin Deficiency

Vitamin deficiency refers to the state in which there is an insufficient supply of one or more vitamins in the body, necessary for maintaining good health and normal physiological functioning. Vitamins are organic compounds that the body needs in small quantities for various metabolic processes. Since most vitamins cannot be synthesized in the body, they must be obtained from the diet. Deficiencies can arise from inadequate intake, poor absorption, increased requirement, or enhanced excretion. These deficiencies can lead to a range of health problems, each specific to the vitamin in question. For example, deficiency of vitamin C can cause scurvy, while lack of vitamin D may result in rickets in children or osteomalacia in adults.

Clinical manifestations of vitamin deficiencies depend on the particular vitamin and the severity of the deficit. Symptoms can be diverse, from fatigue and anemia with vitamin B12 deficiency, to night blindness and immune system impairments in vitamin A deficiency. Diagnosis of these conditions typically involves blood tests to measure levels of specific vitamins, coupled with a careful evaluation of dietary intake and any underlying health issues that could affect vitamin absorption or usage. Treatment often includes dietary adjustments and supplementation to restore the deficient vitamin to adequate levels.