Nutritional deficiencies: the 7 warning signs your body is sending

Lingering fatigue, twitching eyelids, dull hair. We often attribute these signs to stress. Yet, sometimes your body is trying to tell you that it's lacking something.

Nutritional deficiencies affect specific nutrients, such as iron, magnesium, vitamin D, or zinc. They develop slowly and silently. Here are the seven most common signs, and more importantly, how to know what's really going on.

Why nutritional deficiencies affect us all

Even with a proper diet, micronutrient intake varies greatly from person to person. Several factors come into play, and they often combine.

• A diet with little variety. Fast food and processed foods provide few micronutrients.
• Long-term stress. It increases the body's need for magnesium and B vitamins.
• Reduced absorption. An irritated gut assimilates less of what you eat.
• Certain periods of life. Pregnancy, growth, restrictive diets or advanced age all change the needs.

7 Signs of Vitamin Deficiency to Watch Out For

1. Fatigue present from the moment of waking

You sleep eight hours and wake up exhausted. This discrepancy deserves your attention. It often accompanies a deficiency in iron or vitamin B12, which are involved in oxygen transport.

When it comes to food, think about lentils, green vegetables, and protein. If the fatigue persists, only a blood test will tell if your ferritin level is low.

2. A twitching eyelid or cramps

These small twitches originate in the nervous system and muscles. They frequently accompany an insufficient magnesium intake. Many people are unaware of them, wrongly so.

Magnesium contributes to the normal functioning of the nervous system and muscles. A course of Nasimium, magnesium, and vitamins B and C complements a diet rich in nuts and dark chocolate.

3. Fragile hair or brittle nails

Hair and nails are among the body's last priorities. When resources are lacking, they are the first to suffer. Zinc and B vitamins are often the culprits.

4. White spots on the nails

Contrary to popular belief, these bumps do not indicate a calcium deficiency. They most often result from minor nail trauma. A zinc deficiency is possible, but it does not explain all cases.

5. Frequent colds

If you catch every bug going around, your immune system will be weakened. Vitamin D and vitamin C both contribute to the normal function of the immune system. In winter, low sunlight limits vitamin D production.

A blood test remains the only way to know where you stand. Your doctor will adjust the supplementation if necessary.

6. Bleeding gums when brushing

This sign indicates tissue fragility. Vitamin C contributes to the normal formation of collagen, which supports the gums. Kiwis, red bell peppers, and parsley provide good amounts of it.

7. Dry skin that feels tight despite creams

When cream is no longer enough, the problem often comes from within. Unsaturated fatty acids are components of cell membranes. Small oily fish and vegetable oils provide them.

Niellane black seed oil also provides vitamin E, which helps protect cells against oxidative stress.

What deficiency causes dizziness?

Dizziness sometimes accompanies iron-deficiency anemia or a vitamin B12 deficiency. Low blood pressure and dehydration can also cause it. This symptom remains too broad to diagnose on its own.

Repeated bouts of dizziness always warrant a consultation. Your doctor will look for the underlying cause, which is not necessarily nutritional.

How can I tell if I have any deficiencies?

Observing symptoms has its limitations. The signs are similar from one deficiency to another, and many have other causes. A blood test remains the only reliable answer.

If fatigue persists for more than three weeks despite improved lifestyle habits, consult a doctor. Request a targeted assessment, including ferritin, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone). These values ​​will guide the next steps.

This approach avoids the most common pitfall: blind supplementation. Taking iron without a proven deficiency is pointless and can cause problems.

Our approach at Phytomisan

Rather than offering a wide range of products, we prefer a targeted approach. Three formulas address the most common needs during periods of fatigue or winter.

• Turmeric Plus, fermented turmeric with pomegranate, nigella and vitamin C.
• Niellane, black seed oil and vitamin E.
• Pomegranatepomegranate extract and vitamin C.

The vitamin C in these formulas helps reduce fatigue and supports the body's natural defenses. Discover the Vitality and Defense Pack to combine these benefits.

Your questions, our answers

Which vitamin should I take in case of a deficiency?

It depends entirely on the deficiency, and that's the whole problem. Taking a vitamin at random won't fix anything. A blood test identifies the specific nutrient in question, and then your doctor adjusts the dosage.

What are the most common deficiencies?

In France, iron, vitamin D, and magnesium are the most frequently mentioned nutrients. Women of childbearing age are particularly concerned about iron intake. Vitamin D is especially important during the months with little sunshine.

What test can determine if someone has deficiencies?

A blood test prescribed by your doctor. It measures the values ​​that matter based on your symptoms. Tests sold online without medical supervision remain unreliable.

Should we be doing treatments all year round?

No, and this distinction is important. Magnesium and vitamin C are water-soluble; the body eliminates any excess. Iron and vitamin D are stored in the body, so it's essential to have your levels checked before taking any supplements.

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