The best way you can get all of the vitamins and minerals you need is through a nutritious diet. This is an obvious fact but it’s also easier said than done! Unfortunately, 1 in 10 people suffer from at least one vitamin deficiency.
This might have you wonder if it’s worth taking a supplement from stores like supplementfirst.com to make up for the lack of vitamins or minerals you’re missing. Well, that’s tricky to answer!
Understandably, it’s confusing to determine exactly what nutrients you should and shouldn’t be taking. That’s why it’s crucial to speak with your doctor before adding supplements to your diet. With that said, here are a few key signs that would indicate you’re short of certain nutrients and when you might have to take supplements to make up for it.
- You easily bruise
This might mean that you are deficient in vitamin C. This is a vitamin our bodies do not produce naturally, and surprisingly, it’s common for people to experience a vitamin C deficiency because of that.
Vitamin C is a crucial antioxidant helping protect our cells from damage caused by free radicals. It helps with our immune system as well, helping our body stay protected from diseases. If you run low on vitamin C, you may notice increased bruising or unexplained marks due to weakened blood vessels.
It’s important to get about 60mg of vitamin C daily.
- Bloodshot eyes
If you have bloodshot eyes, you might be deficient in vitamin B2. This is also known as riboflavin, and if you are deficient, it would show visible signs. Vitamin B2 deficiency is common in those who have digestive problems or are underweight.
Our bodies require riboflavin for good health and growth as it breaks down our macronutrients. It’s important to get about 1.2mg of vitamin B2 daily.
- Unusually fatigued
This sign might be due to a calcium deficiency. If you don’t take enough calcium, your bones begin deteriorating quicker, which can lead to low energy levels. You can take in calcium supplements in limited amounts if you can’t achieve the recommended daily allowance of 1,000 mg daily for women over 50 years old. For those younger than 50, the RDA is 1,200 mg.
But if you also feel unusually fatigued, certain supplements contain other vitamins to help with energy levels, such as Energetix from Supplement First!
- Leg cramps
This means that you might be deficient in vitamin E, which is found in nuts, seeds, green leafy vegetables, eggs, and fortified cereals. Vitamin E is one of the most important nutrients our bodies crave for. Its main function is to slow down the aging process.
It’s best to get about 15mg of vitamin E daily to prevent nocturnal leg cramps and restless leg syndrome.
Wrapping It Up
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s time you have yourself checked with a doctor to see what vitamins you are insufficient on soon.