Dry skin and hair can stem from deficiencies in several vitamins and minerals, with common culprits including Vitamin A, Vitamin D, Biotin (B7), Vitamin C, Niacin (B3), and Zinc, often alongside Iron deficiency, which impacts overall skin health and hair. These deficiencies affect sebum production (Vitamin A), skin cell repair (D), fatty acid metabolism (Biotin), collagen formation (C), and overall skin barrier function, leading to dryness, flakiness, and brittle hair.
Vitamin or mineral deficiency: Skin requires nutrients to keep it healthy. If you're not getting enough vitamin D, vitamin A, niacin, zinc, or iron, you can develop excessively dry skin. Smoking: Cigarettes contain harmful chemicals that speed up how quickly your skin ages, so skin becomes drier.
Here are 10 unexpected signs of a vitamin D deficiency that may surprise you.
Symptoms such as pins and needles, disturbed vision, a sore and red tongue, mouth ulcers, muscle weakness and problems with balancing and walking, psychological problems such as depression and confusion, problems with memory, understanding and judgement could also be related to B12 deficiency.
B12 deficiency can trigger specific food cravings, most notably for meat, fish, or eggs, as the body seeks animal-based sources to replenish the vitamin, especially in those on vegetarian/vegan diets or older adults. While cravings for sugary or salty foods can also signal general B-vitamin issues, the distinct urge for protein-rich animal products is a key indicator, but professional testing is crucial for confirmation.
Cutaneous manifestations associated with vitamin B12 deficiency are skin hyperpigmentation, vitiligo, angular stomatitis, and hair changes. A diagnosis of vitamin B12 deficiency is often overlooked in its early stages because these signs are not specific to vitamin B12 deficiency alone.
Lack of vitamin B12 in your diet: People who don't eat enough foods that have vitamin B12 or don't eat foods fortified with B12 can develop a deficiency. Gastritis: Gastritis is inflammation of the stomach lining, and it's a common cause of vitamin B12 deficiency.
Five common symptoms of anemia are fatigue/weakness, pale or yellowish skin, shortness of breath, a fast or irregular heartbeat, and dizziness or headaches, all resulting from a lack of healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen. Other signs can include cold hands/feet, brittle nails, or unusual cravings like ice (pica).
The Boots Vitamin B12 Blood Test Kit checks your vitamin B12 levels, using a finger-prick blood sample. Use of this kit requires internet access. All personal data in relation to this product, services and online platforms are collected and processed by MyHealthChecked.
Chronic fatigue is one of the most common and overlooked signs of vitamin deficiency. If you find yourself constantly tired, even after a good night's sleep, a lack of vitamin B12 might be to blame. This essential vitamin is responsible for energy production, red blood cell formation, and proper neurological function.
Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency
Mood changes accompanied by overwhelming feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and hopelessness. Fatigue. Forgetfulness.
Studies have shown that there is a close association between vitamin D deficiency and back pain. Therefore, it is important not to neglect persistent pain in the lower back by considering it just a sprain.
What Are The Best Vitamins and Supplements To Help Dry Skin?
Some conditions that lead to dry skin include allergies, eczema, diabetes and kidney disease. Occupations: Certain professions can lead to dry skin, especially if you work outdoors, with chemicals or wash your hands frequently.
A lack of Vitamin E can contribute to itchy and irritated skin. Increase your Vitamin E intake by consuming spinach, almonds, sunflower seeds and avocados. Dry and itchy skin can be a sign of eczema. Learn more about the signs of eczema and natural ways to prevent and treat it.
Occasionally, it can cause chest pain, a fast heartbeat and shortness of breath. Or it can cause you to crave non-food items like ice, dirt or paper. These are all signs of iron-deficiency anemia. The good news is that treatment can help iron-deficiency anemia.
Iron-rich drinks include apple juice, apricot nectar, beef broth, beet juice, cocoa using natural cocoa powder, “green” smoothies, orange juice, pea protein smoothies, prune juice, tomato juice, and spinach juice.
Symptoms of vitamin B12 and folate deficiency anaemia include:
People need vitamin B-12 for the brain to work well. If not treated, vitamin B-12 deficiency can lead to issues with the nerves, brain or spinal cord. These might include lasting tingling in the hands and feet or trouble with balance.
Choose B-Complex for overall energy, stress, and metabolic support, as it contains all eight B vitamins; opt for standalone B12 if you have a diagnosed deficiency (common in vegans/older adults) or need targeted support for nerve health and red blood cell formation. B12 is part of B-Complex, so if you take B-Complex, you're already getting B12, but a single B12 supplement offers higher doses for specific needs. Consult a doctor to determine your needs, especially if you have health conditions or dietary restrictions.
To quickly increase B12, focus on animal products (meat, fish, dairy, eggs) and fortified foods (cereals, plant milks, nutritional yeast), but for a significant deficiency or rapid boost, especially if dietary changes aren't enough, consult a doctor for high-dose supplements or B12 injections, as severe cases require medical intervention for proper absorption and treatment, note NHS and Healthline.
Numerous studies have found an association between vitamin deficiency and thyroid disorders (TD). The presence of anti-parietal cell antibodies is indicative of reduced ability to absorb vitamin B12.
Wounds not healing fast
If you notice it's taking longer than normal for your cuts to heal, you may not be getting enough vitamin C in your diet. Your body needs vitamin C to make collagen, which is the protein your body uses to heal those cuts.