Are you in need of a vitamin top up?
EVERYDAY symptoms like cracked lips, headaches, dandruff and bad breath, could just be one of those things – or they might be signs of a vitamin or mineral deficiency.
Itchy or dry skin, low mood, thinning hair, low libido, tiredness and even stress could all indicate you need more of a certain nutrient.
Most of the ‘symptoms’ are niggles that’d be great to wipe out with a simple change of diet, yet recent research by Healthspan
(healthspan.co.uk) suggests up to six in 10 of us have no idea what health complaints might have a vitamin or mineral deficiency at their root.
The survey also found almost half of Brits are unaware that taking medications, antibiotics and even drinking tea and coffee, may affect how you absorb vitamins and minerals.
GP and Healthspan expert Dr Sarah Brewer says: “Although the risk of serious interactions between vitamins, minerals and prescribed drugs is low, many drugs appear to deplete body stores of vitamins and minerals,” she says. “Many popular dietary ingredients also deplete levels of certain vitamins and minerals and can interfere with the absorption of food supplements.”
FIVE SETS OF SYMPTOMS TO BE AWARE OF
HERE are some common complaints that may be linked to low vitamin and mineral levels – and the foods to help you top up...
Symptoms – Persistent dandruff: Could be low: Biotin or vitamin B7, essential fatty acids.
Find it in: Fresh salmon, almonds, peanut butter, sunflower seeds.
Symptoms – Cracked lips, thinning hair, split and brittle nails plus white spots on nails, tiredness, cold hands and feet. Could be low: Iron. Find it in: Red meat, red peppers, kale, tofu, strawberries, red kidney beans, kiwis, lemons, flaxseed, chicken liver.
Symptoms – Psoriasis: Could be low: Vitamin D, plus mixed vitamin B, zinc and essential fatty acids Find it in: Eggs, prawns, fresh tuna, mushrooms
SYMPTOMS – Restless legs Could be low: Magnesium, iron or folate Find it in: Avocado, dried oregano, bulgur wheat, dark chocolate
Symptoms – Low mood Could be low: Vitamin D, B vitamins, magnesium Find it in: Quinoa, salmon, avocado, French beans.