The doctor warned about the dangerous consequences of vitamin deficiency

In the spring, many people experience vitamin deficiency. This condition is characterized by a deficiency of vitamins and minerals, which can lead to various functional disorders in the body. Nadezhda Semina, a general practitioner at the First Clinical Medical Center of Dobrograd, told Izvestia about the causes of vitamin deficiency, symptoms, consequences, and prevention methods.

Vitamin deficiency is characterized by a deep, chronic and severe deficiency of one or more vitamins in the body. This condition can lead to serious metabolic and organ function disorders.

The doctor clarified that there are several triggers that cause the risk of vitamin deficiency in the spring season. Among them is a change in diet.

"In winter, especially in regions with a cold climate, the diet often consists of canned foods, meat and cereals, while reducing consumption of fresh vegetables and fruits. Of course, meat and cereals also contain important trace elements and vitamins. But without a balanced diet, it becomes difficult to provide the body with sufficient intake of all necessary substances," Semina said.

A decrease in solar activity is also affected. During the winter months, there is a decrease in the amount of sunlight, which reduces the production of vitamin D in the human body. It is responsible for many metabolic processes, supports the immune system and, along with others, is one of the important systemic vitamins.

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In addition, after a long winter period, the metabolism slows down, which makes it difficult to absorb nutrients. As a result, there is a shortage of certain elements.

"In spring, the need for vitamins and trace elements increases significantly. This is necessary for recovery after the winter period, as well as to support the immune system in conditions of increased bacterial and viral activity," the specialist noted.

The doctor clarified that the symptoms of spring vitamin deficiency are diverse, but most often they manifest themselves in the form of fatigue, frequent colds, and digestive problems. Depending on which specific vitamin is missing in the body, these manifestations can be different.

Vitamin C deficiency causes slow wound healing, excessive bleeding from the gums, weakness, susceptibility to various infections, dryness and poor skin condition, and minor hemorrhages under the skin.

If vitamin D is deficient, there may be: persistent colds and infections, bone aches, joint soreness, chronic fatigue, mood problems, depression, and other psychoemotional disorders.

If there is not enough vitamin B12 in the body, then there will be bouts of fatigue, frequent general weakness, memory problems, cognitive impairment, numbness of the extremities, tingling in the hands and feet, yellow tint of the skin and mucous membranes.

Due to vitamin A deficiency, vision may deteriorate in low-light conditions, skin and hair may become dry, and the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections may increase.

With vitamin E deficiency, skin problems may occur: dryness, peeling, muscle weakness, circulatory disorders.

These symptoms do not necessarily indicate vitamin deficiency, but they are a reason to consult a doctor. The expert stressed that it is impossible to take vitamins on your own: their excess is no less dangerous than a lack. However, an exception can be made for vitamin D: most doctors agree that in the Russian Federation it is possible to consume it even without a preliminary examination.

If left untreated, this condition can lead to more serious pathologies, including: immunodeficiency, kidney and liver failure and other systemic disorders, iron deficiency anemia, cardiovascular diseases, delayed physical and intellectual development (in children), chronic inflammatory processes.

Following a proper diet, eating fresh foods and balanced sources of vitamins and beneficial trace elements all year round will help reduce the severity of symptoms and the risk of spring vitamin deficiency. It is also important to use multivitamin complexes in autumn and winter, exercise or regular walks outdoors, use humidifiers at home, and maintain immunity with natural supplements and adaptogens.

Earlier, on March 21, Tatyana Bobrova, a general practitioner and expert at the Hemotest laboratory, told Izvestia that in the spring, some people have gastrointestinal tract diseases such as gastritis, cholecystitis, stomach and duodenal ulcers. This is due to the cyclical nature of the diseases themselves, changes in the length of the day, diet, as well as internal factors, primarily vitamin and mineral deficiencies.