Vitamin deficiency

Vitamins are substances that help the body to carry out metabolism and, as a result, to release energy. Vitamin deficiency, or hypovitaminosis, is a condition in which the body does not have enough vitamins. And vice versa, if the body has an excess of vitamins, it is hypervitaminosis. Both the first and second conditions have a negative effect on human health.

What are the signs of vitamin deficiency?

If you feel:

• drowsiness, chronic fatigue, irritability, decreased attention and memory, then we can assume a condition such as vitamin deficiency C, E and PP;
• decreased visual acuity - vitamin A deficiency;
• damage to the mucous membrane and skin of the lips (long-lasting cracks in the lips), oral mucosa (stomatitis), hair loss, nail problems - vitamin deficiency B2, B6, B12 and E;
• bleeding gums, slow healing of skin wounds - vitamin C and K deficiency.

Especially in the spring, more than ever, symptoms associated with vitamin deficiency (avitaminosis or hypovitaminosis) appear.

How is vitamin deficiency treated?

It is much more difficult to replenish vitamin reserves in spring than in summer or even autumn. Although there are a variety of overseas fruits and delicacies in stores, their health value is questionable. All of them undergo preliminary processing for long-term storage, and in spring the amount of vitamins in them decreases. For example: storing cabbage at room temperature for 24 hours leads to a loss of vitamin C by 25%, over 3 days - by 70%. Eating the same amount of food in winter and spring, we already get fewer vitamins than in summer and autumn. Our diet has also lost variety. Breakfasts, lunches, dinners are reduced to a narrow standard set of several basic products and ready-made dishes. The share of canned products subjected to intensive technological processing has increased, which inevitably leads to a significant loss of vitamins.

Vitamins from the pharmacy come to our aid. Multivitamin complexes are the best means for maintaining beauty and health. Also, do not forget that the body and soul are already very much yearning for sunlight after winter. If possible, replace electric lighting with daylight, spend more time outdoors during daylight hours, or at least visit the window in the office more often. Do active sports, limit yourself in smoking, try to get rid of your bad habits. Before buying any vitamins, consult with your general practitioner, as often other diseases appear under the guise of vitamin deficiencies.

When choosing complexes, pay attention to the following:

• The drug must contain 12 vitamins;
• The amount of each vitamin should correspond to the recommended daily dose and not exceed it:
  • A: 1.5-2 mg/day
  • B1: 2-3 mg/day
  • B2: 2.5-3.5 mg/day
  • PP(VZ): 15-20 mg/day
  • B6:2 mg/day
  • C: 75-100 mg/day
  • E: 15 mg/day
• The packaging must indicate the expiration date; it is better to buy vitamin complexes in a large pharmacy.

These complexes should be taken during meals. If you have gastrointestinal diseases, it is recommended to take supplements in capsule form. Course dose: 2-6 weeks. In this case, it is necessary to adhere to the drinking regimen, that is, adequate fluid intake. Long-term use and especially exceeding the dose of vitamin preparations can cause more harm than good. For example, smokers who have "abused" beta-carotene (vitamin A) for a long time are more likely to develop lung cancer.

An overdose of folic acid can cause skin irritation, and too much vitamin E can increase blood pressure. Today's fashionable antioxidants in large quantities are more likely to harm your body and are unlikely to give the expected results. Any vitamin and mineral complex can be bought at a pharmacy without a prescription, but this does not mean that it should be taken chaotically, intensively and in too massive doses. A sense of proportion in this matter will never hurt anyone!