What Are Vitamins and Why Are They Important for the Body?
Vitamins are essential organic compounds needed in small amounts for the body to grow healthily, develop, and maintain its metabolic functions. Since our body cannot produce most vitamins on its own, obtaining these vital substances through food is mandatory. They play a key role in countless biochemical processes, from energy production to strengthening the immune system, from blood formation to maintaining bone health.
What Causes Vitamin Deficiency?
Vitamin deficiency is a condition in which the body cannot utilize a specific vitamin adequately. The main causes of this condition are:
- Inadequate and Unbalanced Nutrition: The most common cause is insufficient consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables, and other food groups rich in vitamins. Monotonous or restrictive diets also increase the risk.
- Absorption Disorders: Even if enough vitamins are consumed through food, certain gastrointestinal diseases such as Celiac disease, Crohn's disease, or previous stomach-intestine surgeries can hinder vitamin absorption.
- Increased Needs: During periods of rapid growth such as pregnancy, breastfeeding, childhood, and adolescence, as well as during heavy infections or after surgery, the body's vitamin requirements increase.
- Other Factors: Old age, continuous use of certain medications, and excessive alcohol consumption can also predispose individuals to vitamin deficiencies.
Common Vitamin Deficiencies and Symptoms
Although the deficiency of each vitamin causes different symptoms, some of the most common vitamin deficiencies in the population and their typical signs are as follows:
- Vitamin D Deficiency: The most important source of vitamin D, which is critical for calcium absorption and bone health, is sunlight. Deficiency may lead to widespread bone and muscle pains, fatigue, exhaustion, and in advanced cases, rickets in children, and osteomalacia (softening of bones) in adults.
- Vitamin B12 Deficiency: Essential for blood formation and nerve system health. Deficiency can cause fatigue, weakness, palpitations, and pallor due to anemia. It can also lead to neurological symptoms such as numbness and tingling in hands and feet, balance problems, forgetfulness, and difficulty concentrating.
- Folate (Vitamin B9) Deficiency: Similar to B12, it is involved in the production of blood cells and its deficiency causes megaloblastic anemia. It is especially vital during pregnancy for the development of the baby's nervous system.
Diagnosis and Treatment Approach
The suspicion of vitamin deficiency begins with the evaluation of the patient's complaints, eating habits, and medical history. A definitive diagnosis is made through a simple blood test that measures the levels of the relevant vitamins in the blood.
Treatment is based on replenishing the deficient vitamin. This involves the use of vitamin supplements (in tablet, drop, or injection form) at the appropriate dose and duration determined by a healthcare professional. Using high-dose vitamin supplements without a doctor's recommendation can be dangerous; because excessive amounts of some vitamins can have toxic effects in the body.
Another important part of treatment is reviewing the nutrition plan and treating any underlying condition (such as absorption disorders) that may cause deficiency. Healthy and balanced nutrition is the most effective way to prevent most vitamin deficiencies.
This content has been translated using artificial intelligence technology.