Schenectady Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing on 4 Common Nutritional Deficiencies
A lot of times, vitamin or mineral deficiencies can be to blame for a host of medical conditions. In the United States, there are several common deficiencies in otherwise healthy people that can cause problems.
Schenectady Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing would like to shine the spotlight on four of them.
- Iron
Nearly a quarter of the worldwide population has an iron deficiency, which can lead to conditions like anemia. That number is much higher in preschool children. Signs of anemia include fatigue, weakness, decreased brain function, and a weaker immune system.
Good sources of iron are red meat, shellfish, beans, seeds, and dark, leafy greens. Vitamin C can also enhance the body’s ability to absorb iron.
2. Iodine
Iodine is essential for good thyroid health, and a deficiency can cause an enlarged thyroid (goiter), which can increase heart rate and promote weight gain.
Fish and seaweed are packed with iodine, as is plain yogurt and eggs. Table salt can also be enriched with iodine.
3. Vitamin D
Vitamin D can be found in foods, but it primarily comes from sun exposure, and given that so many people are inside throughout the day, it’s natural that a vitamin D deficiency is common — nearly three-quarters of all U.S. seniors, in fact. Muscle weakness, bone loss and weakness, and even an increased risk in certain types of cancer can all come from this deficiency. Fatty fish and egg yolks are high in vitamin D, but the best way to get enough is through the sun or supplements.
4. Magnesium
About half the U.S. population does not get enough magnesium, which is important for bone and teeth structure, along with other processes. A deficiency can cause an abnormal heart rhythm, restless leg syndrome, and migraines.
Whole grains, almonds, dark chocolate, and dark green, leafy vegetables are good sources of magnesium.
To learn more about the Schenectady Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing and all of the services they offer, visit https://centershealthcare.com/schenectady_center/.
