deficiency symptoms mineral

Mineral deficiencies can lead to various health problems, as each mineral plays a unique role in bodily functions. Below are common deficiency symptoms for essential minerals:

1. Calcium (Ca)
– Weak, brittle bones (osteoporosis, osteopenia)
– Muscle cramps/spasms
– Numbness/tingling in fingers
– Tooth decay
– Abnormal heart rhythm

2. Iron (Fe)
– Fatigue/weakness (iron-deficiency anemia)
– Pale skin & nails
– Shortness of breath
– Headaches/dizziness
– Cold hands & feet

3. Magnesium (Mg)
– Muscle cramps/twitches
– Fatigue & weakness
– Irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
– Anxiety/depression
– High blood pressure

4. Potassium (K)
– Muscle weakness/cramps
– Fatigue & constipation
– Heart palpitations/irregular heartbeat
– Tingling/numbness

5. Zinc (Zn)
– Weakened immune system (frequent infections)
– Hair loss & slow wound healing
– Loss of appetite/taste changes
– Skiashes (acrodermatitis enteropathica in severe cases)

6. Iodine (I)
– Goiter (enlarged thyroid gland)
– Hypothyroidism (fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance)
– Dry skin & hair loss
– Cognitive impairment in children (cretinism if severe during pregnancy)

7. Selenium (Se)
– Weak immune function
– Fatigue/muscle weakness
– Thyroid dysfunction (similar to iodine deficiency)
– Keshan disease (heart disorder in severe deficiency)

8. Phosphorus (P)
– Weak bones/painful bones/joints
– Loss of appetite & fatigue
– Numbness/tingling

9. Sodium (Na) *(Rare deficiency due to high dietary intake, but possible with excessive sweating/vomiting)*
– Muscle cramps/weakness
– Headaches/nausea
– Confusion/seizures in severe cases

10. Copper (Cu) *(Rare deficiency)*
– Anemia (similar to iron deficiency)
– Weak bones/osteoporosis
– Pale