Feeling sluggish lately? You could be suffering from a nutrient deficiency.
Nutritional deficiencies occur when a person’s nutrient intake consistently falls below the recommended requirement. Here’s the low down on three of the most common nutrient deficiencies – iron, riboflavin and vitamin D.
Iron – Believe it or not, iron deficiency is the most common deficiency in the world, affecting about 1 billion people. Iron is critical to our health because it helps carry oxygen from our lungs throughout our bodies. Iron also helps our muscles store and use oxygen.
Riboflavin – Riboflavin is a B vitamin that can be found in certain foods such as milk, meat, eggs, nuts, enriched flour, and green vegetables. It helps us maintain healthy skin, hair and muscle tone, as well as enhances the immune system and keeps our metabolisms going strong. Riboflavin deficiency, also known as vitamin B-2 deficiency, is believed to directly affect a person’s energy level.
Vitamin D – Vitamin D is important because it plays an essential role in calcium absorption and in regulating the nervous system. Known as the sunshine vitamin, vitamin D is produced by the body in response to sunlight. It is also occurs naturally in a certain foods like fish and egg yolks, as well as fortified dairy and grain products.Think you’re at risk for a nutrient deficiency? Talk with you doctor or a dietitian before deciding to start taking any supplements.
