Minerals are present in the foods we eat, and they play an important role in our bodies. It helps all systems and processes to function properly in the body. While not all of them are required in large amounts, a deficiency of some of them may cause serious health problems. However, in most cases, mineral deficiencies are preventable by making the right decisions, such as quitting smoking, limiting or avoiding alcoholic products, adopting a well-balanced diet, and others.
Furthermore, the conditions caused by mineral deficiencies range from mild health problems to permanent or life-threatening disorders. While the primary source of minerals is food, you may take them from other sources, including dietary supplements and certain medical treatments. Do not take minerals without your doctor’s approval because most of them are toxic if taken in too much.
Types of Mineral Deficiencies
People may have deficiencies in both major and trace minerals. Check below some examples of major minerals that are more important:
- Chloride
- Calcium
- Phosphate
- Magnesium
- Sodium
- Sulfur
- Potassium
The following minerals are called trace minerals, and they are also needed but in small amounts. Check some examples below:
- Fluoride
- Iron
- Iodine
- Chromium
- Copper
- Cobalt
- Molybdenum
- Selenium
- Zinc
- Manganese
Symptoms
The symptoms are often different among people with mineral deficiencies because they depend on which mineral is not enough, age, and overall health. Check some examples of symptoms below, often noticed in people with this condition:
- Weak bones – This symptom often occurs in people with copper, calcium, and phosphate deficiencies. When these deficiencies are not treated for long periods, they may lead to osteoporosis. This is a serious condition that often does not cause symptoms and make you bones more likely to break.
- Clotting and healing disruptions – Usually, people with iron, manganese, copper, zinc, and phosphate deficiencies develop blood clots and wound healing problems. Furthermore, iron is a vital mineral during pregnancy.
- Extreme tiredness – Reduced levels of cobalt, copper, iodine, iron, and selenium in the body may cause prolonged fatigue.
- Hair changes – Sometimes, mineral deficiencies (including low copper and zinc) may cause changes in the color and texture of the hair. In more severe cases, it may lead to hair loss.
- Hidden hunger – Reduced levels of specific minerals may cause you to feel hungrier than usual.
- Mood swings – Usually, people who have low copper and molybdenum in the blood experience depression, anxiety, and irritability.
- Muscle cramps – This symptom may occur due to reduced levels of the following minerals. For example, calcium, iron, magnesium, and potassium. However, a deficiency of copper, phosphorus, or selenium may cause damage to the muscles.
- Nail changes – People who have a deficiency of zinc may experience Beau’s lines and nail ridges. Moreover, low iron in the body may also cause spoon-shaped nails.
- Nervous system effects – Ataxia, seizures, and numbness or tingling may occur in people with low copper, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, or chromium.
- Skin changes – reduced levels of zinc and manganese may cause rashes and skin changes.
- Difficulty concentrating or remembering – It often occurs due to reduced levels of chromium, copper, iodine, iron, or phosphorus in the body.
- Weaker senses of taste and smell that often happen due to low zinc levels.
If you suspect you may have a mineral deficiency, do not hesitate to see a doctor. Otherwise, it may lead to serious health problems.
Causes
Most of the time, people develop mineral deficiency due to the following reasons. These include:
- Reduced minerals in your food caused by your culture or poverty
- Different eating patterns (such as being a vegetarian or vegan)
- Health conditions that prevent your body from absorbing nutrients and vitamins properly
- Certain medical procedures (such as bariatric surgery)
- Some supplements and medicines you already administer (they may interact with the ability to absorb minerals from foods)
- Other deficiencies (for example, reduced vitamin D may prevent a person from absorbing calcium)
- Losing minerals faster than you get them (including bleeding and dehydration)
Mineral deficiencies happen more commonly in places with higher levels of poverty or due to disruptive events (including wars, famines, and natural disasters).
What Are The Potential Complications of Mineral Deficiency?
In general, there are multiple complications that may occur in people with mineral deficiency. That’s why it is important to monitor your health regularly and get supplements or make dietary changes when needed. Check some complications below:
- High cholesterol (also known as hyperlipidemia)
- Connective tissue breakdown
- Coma
- Cavities
- Cataracts
- Brain swelling
- Anemia (low red blood cell count)
- Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland) and goiters
- Infertility
- Diabetes
- Arrhythmia (irregular heart rhythm), heart damage, and even heart failure
- Muscle breakdown
- Brain or nerve damage
- Kidney failure
- Slow wound healing
- Weakened immune system – This is a serious complication, often considered a medical emergency, that, without treatment, may lead to serious health conditions
Some of the previous complications can be fatal if they are not treated for long periods. In any case, you can talk with your physician about ways to reduce the risk or prevent them.
Complications in Children
It is very important to make sure your child does not have a mineral deficiency because it may lead to severe and permanent complications. These include:
- Childhood arthritis
- Brain development problems that may cause developmental delays or disabilities
- Growth faltering
- Rickets and bone/teeth weakness
How to Prevent Mineral Deficiency?
Healthcare professionals may recommend some tips that often prevent a mineral deficiency. Check some examples below:
- Dietary changes – Food is one of the main sources of minerals. You should make sure you eat a well-balanced diet to prevent mineral deficiencies.
- Supplements – People who do not get enough minerals from foods may choose dietary supplements. In any case, do not take them without a doctor’s approval because most of them are toxic when taken in high amounts.
- Regular checkups – Routine bloodwork and other tests may help catch a mineral deficiency before the symptoms appear.
Diagnosis
Most of the time, doctors begin the diagnosis of mineral deficiency with a physical examination to check for irregularities linked to this condition. However, to confirm or rule out a mineral deficiency, doctors perform the following tests and procedures. For example:
- Neurological examination
- Blood and urine tests
- Questions about what you eat, supplements, and other habits
Treatment
Usually, mineral deficiencies are treated with the following options. These include:
- Dietary changes
- Supplements
- Treatments for underlying conditions or contributing factors
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the symptoms of a mineral deficiency?
These include extreme tiredness, muscle cramps, weakness, hair, skin, or nail changes, cognitive problems, weakened immune system, and others. If any of them occur, immediately contact your doctor.
What are the most common mineral deficiencies?
In most cases, people develop a deficiency of iron, folate, zinc, iodine, or vitamin A. Moreover, these are vital micronutrients that may contribute to intellectual disability, poor growth, perinatal complications, and other serious health conditions.
What are the signs of vitamin D deficiency to not ignore?
If you or a loved one experiences the following symptoms, it may indicate a vitamin D deficiency. Examples include frequent infections, depression, slow wound healing, persistent fatigue (extreme tiredness), or bone and muscle pain. If you have any other questions, ask your healthcare provider.
