What is meant by nutrient deficiency?
Do you often feel weak, exhausted and suffer from headaches ? Difficulty concentrating or a constant feeling of listlessness can also be signs that your body is lacking important nutrients .
A nutrient deficiency often goes unnoticed, but leads to symptoms that can significantly affect your everyday life. By checking your blood values specifically, deficiencies can be identified and treated early on before they lead to long-term problems.
Give your body what it needs and regain energy and quality of life – it starts with a simple step: testing your blood values.
We also recommend the ZDF report on this topic as well as the Barmer article on nutrient deficiencies .
What nutrients does your body need?
Our body needs various nutrients to carry out metabolic processes and bodily functions properly. A distinction is made between macronutrients and micronutrients:
macronutrients
Macronutrients are the energy suppliers for the human organism. These include carbohydrates, fats and proteins, which are responsible for the construction of our cells.
micronutrients
Micronutrients, on the other hand, regulate various processes in the body, such as our metabolism and our immune system. They include vitamins, minerals and trace elements.
A nutrient deficiency occurs when your body is not supplied with sufficient nutrients. This then leads to processes and functions being restricted.
Nutrient deficiency – know the causes and avoid them
The human organism cannot produce some of the nutrients it needs to maintain physical functions. These must be supplied to it, for example, through a balanced diet. If this does not happen, the body is undernourished and a nutrient deficiency occurs.
Basically, a distinction is made between two levels of nutrient deficiencies: marginal and absolute.
Marginal nutrient deficiency
In the case of a marginal nutrient deficiency, the body's functionality and performance are limited by the lack of nutrients, but its viability is not threatened. In this case, the body's carbohydrates become scarce or the organism is deficient in vitamins and minerals. However, all symptoms disappear completely as soon as the missing nutrients have been taken in again in sufficient quantities.
Absolute nutrient deficiency
An absolute nutrient deficit describes the permanent undersupply of a body with nutrients. The reason for this is the complete lack of required nutrients in the diet. As a result, vital basic functions can no longer be maintained and corresponding deficiency symptoms occur.
What tests can I do if I suspect a nutrient deficiency?
Nutrient Check Premium
This check covers important areas such as fluid and electrolyte regulation, bone and muscle health, cell division and blood formation, as well as the supply of essential vitamins. Deficiencies identified early can be remedied in a targeted manner, which strengthens your health preventively and enables individual measures to optimize your eating and lifestyle habits.
Nutrient Check Comfort
The Nutrient Check Comfort is crucial for your wellbeing as it provides a comprehensive check of important nutrients and minerals. This check allows deficiencies to be identified and corrected early, contributing to improved bone health, optimal muscle function and a strong immune system.
Basic Nutrient Check
The Basic Nutrient Check is crucial for your wellbeing as it provides a basic check of important nutrients and minerals. This check allows deficiencies to be identified and corrected at an early stage, contributing to healthy bones and teeth, optimal muscle function and a strong immune system.
Vegan Check
A lack of essential nutrients can be more common in vegan and vegetarian diets and can lead to health problems. Our Vegan Check, specially developed for vegans and vegetarians, provides a comprehensive overview of essential nutrients and hormones to ensure that your plant-based diet contains all the necessary vitamins and minerals.
Burnout Stress Check
Our burnout stress check gives you a comprehensive insight into your physical stress levels and possible burnout signs. With this test, you can take early action to protect your health and performance.
Causes of nutrient deficiency
unbalanced diet
A balanced and varied diet forms the basis for a healthy and balanced lifestyle. The body receives sufficient nutrients and can coordinate both a functioning immune system and a healthy metabolism.
A one-sided diet, especially one consisting predominantly of fast food, does not provide the body with a variety of nutrients, leading to a deficiency.
Changed nutrient requirements
Pregnant women, mothers who are breastfeeding and athletes in particular need more nutrients due to their increased consumption. If food intake is not adjusted to these needs, a nutrient deficiency can occur.
diseases
Certain diseases, such as intestinal diseases or chronic illnesses, can also lead to nutrients no longer being properly absorbed by the body, resulting in nutrient deficiencies.
luxury goods
Regular and excessive consumption of alcohol, coffee, sugary foods, nicotine and other stimulants contributes to the body's impaired absorption of nutrients.
Mental health problems
Psychological problems, such as depression, can lead to loss of appetite or gastrointestinal problems, which can result in insufficient nutrients being absorbed and a deficiency occurring.
vegan diet
A vegan diet, which is based on plant-based foods, can also lead to nutrient deficiencies, as certain nutrients, such as vitamin B12, are only present in significant quantities in animal foods and are therefore not absorbed.
Detecting and treating nutrient deficiencies
Particularly affected by nutrient deficiencies are elderly people, people who are subject to constant stress, alcoholics, or people who consume other drugs.
Common defects and their effects
iron deficiency
Iron deficiency is one of the most common nutritional deficiencies worldwide. It often leads to symptoms such as constant tiredness, paleness, concentration problems and a weakened immune system. Women, vegetarians and vegans are particularly at risk. A blood test measures the ferritin level and provides information about the iron reserves in the body.
vitamin D deficiency
A vitamin D deficiency is particularly common in regions with little sun. It manifests itself in muscle weakness, bone pain and an increased risk of infections. Since vitamin D is produced in the skin by sunlight, supplementation may be necessary, especially in winter.
vitamin B12 deficiency
Vitamin B12 is essential for blood formation and the nervous system. A deficiency can cause fatigue, memory problems, tingling in the extremities and anemia. Vegans and people with impaired intestinal absorption are often affected. Blood tests help to detect a deficiency early on.
magnesium deficiency
A magnesium deficiency can cause muscle cramps, nervousness, sleep disorders and cardiac arrhythmias. The causes are often stress, intensive exercise or an unbalanced diet. A deficiency can usually be compensated for well with a targeted intake through diet or nutritional supplements.
folic acid deficiency
Folic acid, also known as vitamin B9, is crucial for cell division and blood formation. A deficiency often occurs during pregnancy and can increase the risk of malformations in the unborn child. Symptoms include exhaustion and anemia. Supplementation is necessary in many cases.
With the right nutrition to a healthy lifestyle
If you want to counteract a nutrient deficiency , a balanced and varied diet forms a solid foundation. Make sure you eat a balanced mix of carbohydrates, proteins and healthy fats . Include plenty of vegetables and fruit in your menu and make your diet as colorful and natural as possible .
Avoid as much as possible:
- Fast food and industrially processed foods
- Sugary foods and drinks
- alcohol, nicotine and other intoxicants
In addition to a healthy diet , sufficient exercise and regular sun exposure also play an important role. If you notice symptoms such as fatigue, lethargy or dizziness, do not jump to conclusions. Always discuss any concerns with a doctor before taking any action.
With Probatix you have the opportunity to have your nutritional values checked regularly. Take a look at our categories and start now - for a healthier, more energetic life.
Make sure you get enough exercise and regular sun exposure and don't jump to conclusions if you notice any of the symptoms mentioned. If you have any concerns, always talk to a doctor before taking any action.
With Probatix it is now very easy to have your own nutritional values checked regularly . Just take a look at our categories.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the causes and treatment of fatigue
What is a nutrient deficiency?
What is a nutrient deficiency?
A nutritional deficiency occurs when the body does not receive enough vitamins, minerals or other essential nutrients necessary for its function. This can lead to various health problems.
How do I recognize a nutrient deficiency?
How do I recognize a nutrient deficiency?
Typical signs of a nutrient deficiency are fatigue, brittle nails, hair loss, difficulty concentrating and general malaise. A blood test can provide information about specific deficiencies.
Which nutrients are most commonly deficient?
Which nutrients are most commonly deficient?
The most common nutrient deficiencies include vitamin D, vitamin B12, iron, folic acid and magnesium. These nutrients are essential for many body functions and should be checked regularly.
How can I prevent nutrient deficiencies?
How can I prevent nutrient deficiencies?
A balanced diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables, whole grains and lean meat and fish can help prevent nutritional deficiencies. In some cases, dietary supplements are useful.
How is a nutrient deficiency treated?
How is a nutrient deficiency treated?
Treatment depends on the specific deficiency. Often it is enough to change your diet or take specific nutritional supplements. In cases of severe deficiencies, medical treatment may be necessary.
