Nutrient Deficiency
Nutrients connected to Nutrient Deficiency
A link means the body needs the nutrient for this, or that low intake is linked to it. It does not mean extra supplements help if your intake is already adequate; each link shows how strong the evidence is.
- Vitamin ADeficiency link
Low vitamin A intake causes night blindness, corneal damage and dry skin. It is rare in the US but a major problem in many low-income countries.
- Vitamin DDeficiency link
Not getting enough vitamin D leads to rickets in children and osteomalacia (soft, painful bones) in adults.
- Vitamin EDeficiency link
Vitamin E deficiency causes nerve, muscle and eye problems, and hemolytic anemia in premature babies. It is rare and usually due to malabsorption or inherited disorders.
- Vitamin B1 (thiamin)Deficiency link
Not getting or absorbing enough thiamin causes weakness, fatigue, confusion and nerve damage, and can lead to beriberi.
- Vitamin B2Deficiency link
Not getting enough riboflavin causes deficiency, which can include anemia, mouth or lip sores and skin complaints. It is uncommon in the United States.
- Vitamin B3 (niacin)Deficiency link
Too little niacin (or tryptophan) causes pellagra.
- Vitamin B9 (folate and folic acid)Deficiency link
Too little folate causes folate-deficiency anaemia, with tiredness, pins and needles, a sore red tongue and mouth ulcers.
- Vitamin B12Deficiency link
Low B12 causes anaemia and nerve problems. Vegans, older adults and people with absorption problems are at higher risk.
- Vitamin CDeficiency link
Lack of vitamin C causes scurvy. It is rare and linked to going without fresh fruit and vegetables for a while.
- CalciumDeficiency link
Long-term low calcium intake can lead to rickets in children and osteomalacia or osteoporosis later.
- MagnesiumDeficiency link
Low magnesium can cause fatigue, weakness, cramps, numbness and irregular heart rhythm. True deficiency is uncommon in healthy people.
- IronDeficiency link
Not getting or absorbing enough iron, or losing it through bleeding, can lead to iron deficiency anaemia.
- ZincDeficiency link
Not getting enough zinc causes a recognised set of problems such as frequent infections, slow growth and slow wound healing.
- SeleniumDeficiency link
Low selenium causes Keshan disease and is linked to Kashin-Beck disease. Deficiency is rare in the US but can occur with long-term intravenous feeding.
- BlackcurrantsDeficiency link
Blackcurrants are very rich in vitamin C, and enough vitamin C prevents scurvy; no extra benefit is shown when intake is already adequate.
- Citrus Fruits (overview)Deficiency link
Citrus is a rich vitamin C source and eating enough vitamin C prevents scurvy.
- LemonsDeficiency link
Lack of vitamin C over time causes scurvy, and vitamin C-rich foods such as lemon help correct it; USDA lists 53 mg per 100 g.
- LimesDeficiency link
Limes provide vitamin C, and a lack of vitamin C leads to scurvy. Limes are one of many sources.
- OrangesDeficiency link
Vitamin C from oranges and other foods prevents scurvy, the deficiency disease.
- GrapefruitDeficiency link
Grapefruit is a high food source of vitamin C, which prevents scurvy (vitamin C deficiency); extra intake beyond need is not shown to help.
- GuavaDeficiency link
Guava is a very rich food source of vitamin C, whose lack causes scurvy; it also helped iron markers in some child trials. One source among many foods.
- Eating Clay (Geophagy)Documented risk
Soil-eating was linked to lower iron and folate status; low iron or zinc may trigger the craving.
- Iodized Table SaltDeficiency link
Iodized salt is the main public health tool against iodine deficiency.
- Prenatal and Postnatal VitaminsDeficiency link
Helps fill shortages such as low iron or low folate. Iron is recommended only if tests show low levels, per the NHS.
- Vitamin KDeficiency link
Vitamin K deficiency is rare in adults but is linked to easier bruising and bleeding.
- Vitamin B6Deficiency link
B6 deficiency is uncommon in the US but can occur with kidney failure, liver disease or heavy alcohol use, and can cause anaemia, nerve problems, confusion and mouth sores.
- Vitamin B7Deficiency link
Biotin deficiency can cause skin rashes, hair loss, brittle nails and muscle pain. The 2017 review considers true deficiency uncommon in people with balanced diets.
- PotassiumDeficiency link
Low blood potassium can cause cramps, weakness and irregular heartbeat. It is usually caused by diuretics, vomiting, diarrhoea or other illness, not by diet alone.
- IodineDeficiency link
Low iodine intake can cause goiter and underactive thyroid, most often where soil is iodine-poor. It is rare in the UK and US.
- CopperDeficiency link
Too little copper can cause anaemia and other problems. It is uncommon in people who eat a varied diet, and high zinc intake is one known cause.
- Algal (algae) oilPreliminary or mixed
Vegetarian and especially vegan diets are linked to lower blood EPA and DHA; algal DHA improved DHA status in studies, but benefit on health outcomes is not shown.
- Cod liver oilDeficiency link
Cod liver oil supplies vitamins A and D, whose lack causes known problems such as rickets and osteomalacia. It helps only where intake is low, and the amounts vary by product.
Low choline causes fatty liver and liver and muscle damage in controlled studies. True deficiency is rare on ordinary diets, and intake below an Adequate Intake does not by itself prove it.
- HorsetailDocumented risk
The thiaminase in raw or dried horsetail can destroy thiamine (vitamin B1), so it may worsen a thiamine shortage.
- MulberriesDeficiency link
Raw mulberries provide vitamin C (about 36 mg per 100 g), and vitamin C deficiency causes scurvy. This shows a role in preventing deficiency, not a treatment for other conditions.
- GooseberriesDeficiency link
Gooseberries supply vitamin C, and too little vitamin C causes scurvy; this is about the nutrient, not a gooseberry trial.
- Mandarins & TangerinesDeficiency link
Vitamin C from food prevents scurvy, the deficiency disease.
- PapayaDeficiency link
Vitamin C in papaya (about 98% of the Daily Value per cup, USDA) helps prevent deficiency; a lack of vitamin C causes scurvy.
- PineappleDeficiency link
Pineapple is a source of vitamin C, and too little vitamin C causes scurvy. This is a nutrition role of the food, not a treatment claim.
- KiwifruitDeficiency link
Kiwifruit is a rich source of vitamin C; too little vitamin C leads to scurvy.
- Passion FruitDeficiency link
The fruit supplies vitamin C, which prevents scurvy.
- CantaloupeDeficiency link
A good source of vitamin C, whose severe lack causes scurvy; scurvy is rare today.
- Collard GreensEstablished role
Collards supply vitamin K, folate, vitamin C and vitamin A; deficiency of these has established effects, but food is one of several sources.
- CabbageDeficiency link
Cabbage is a source of vitamin C, whose deficiency causes scurvy; as food it helps meet normal needs but is not a treatment.
- Daikon RadishDeficiency link
Daikon provides vitamin C (24% DV per 100 g), which prevents scurvy; it is one food among many sources.
- TurnipsDeficiency link
Turnip supplies vitamin C (about 30% of the Daily Value per cup); lack of vitamin C causes scurvy. Turnips are one source among many foods.
- KohlrabiDeficiency link
Kohlrabi is a rich source of vitamin C (93% of the Daily Value per cup), and too little vitamin C causes scurvy.
- Sweet Potatoes, Carrots & Orange VegetablesPreliminary or mixed
Orange-fleshed sweet potato improved vitamin A status in children and raised intake in postpartum women in trials set in places where vitamin A shortage is a concern. Results say little about people who already get enough.
- PotatoesDeficiency link
Potatoes supply vitamin C (about 47% of the Daily Value per medium potato); lack of vitamin C causes scurvy. Potatoes are one source among many foods.
- Cassava (Yuca)Documented risk
Protein malnutrition is a risk factor for konzo, and thyroid effects appear with iodine deficiency and low protein (EFSA, systematic review).
- JicamaDeficiency link
A cup of jicama gives about 27% of the vitamin C Daily Value; lack of vitamin C can lead to scurvy.
- Bell PeppersDeficiency link
Peppers are a rich food source of vitamin C, and vitamin C deficiency causes scurvy. Eating peppers is one way to get it; this is about food, not extra amounts.
- Zucchini (Courgette)Deficiency link
Vitamin C from foods such as zucchini helps prevent deficiency (scurvy); one cup gives about a quarter of the Daily Value.
- PumpkinDeficiency link
Provitamin A from orange vegetables helps meet vitamin A needs; deficiency is rare in the US.
- Butternut SquashDeficiency link
Provitamin A and vitamin C from food help prevent vitamin A and C deficiency; vitamin A deficiency is very rare in the United States.
- Brazil NutsClinically supported
Eating Brazil nuts raised blood selenium in trials, including in people with low status. This is a blood measure, not a disease outcome.
- Green TeaDocumented risk
Tea polyphenols lower non-heme iron absorption in lab studies of black and herbal teas; a case report links green tea to iron-deficiency anemia.
- Linden Flower TeaDocumented risk
A lime flower drink reduced iron absorption from a meal in adults, so regular use between meals may matter for people at risk of low iron.
- Earl Grey (Bergamot Black Tea)Documented risk
Black tea cut absorption of iron from a meal by 79 to 94% in one study; a French study found no link with iron stores in healthy adults.
- Lapsang Souchong (Smoked Tea)Documented risk
Black tea cut absorption of iron from a meal by 79 to 94% in one study; a French study found no link with iron stores in healthy adults.
- Horsetail TeaDocumented risk
Thiaminase in the plant can destroy thiamine (vitamin B1); a risk mainly for people already low in thiamine. Heat and extraction inactivate it.
- Corn Masa & Corn TortillasDeficiency link
Untreated corn diets can cause niacin deficiency (pellagra); soaking in limewater releases the niacin.
- Cranberry Beans (Borlotti)Established role
Cooked cranberry beans are a food source of folate (92% of the Daily Value per cup). MedlinePlus says low folate is linked to birth defects such as spina bifida. Beans are not a treatment for deficiency.
- Moth Beans (Matki)Established role
Boiled moth beans are a food source of folate (63% of the Daily Value per cup), magnesium and iron per USDA. MedlinePlus says low folate is linked to birth defects such as spina bifida. Beans are not a treatment for deficiency.
- Cow's MilkEstablished role
Milk supplies calcium, protein and vitamin B12 (USDA); the NHS says people who avoid dairy may not get enough calcium.
- Orange JuiceEstablished role
Orange juice is a rich food source of vitamin C. This is about meeting a normal need, not proof that extra helps.
- Vegan Collagen and Collagen BoostersDeficiency link
Severe lack of vitamin C impairs collagen and causes scurvy.
- MultivitaminsDeficiency link
A shortage of a specific nutrient is treated with that nutrient under a clinician. A multivitamin cannot tell which nutrient is low and has no clear extra benefit in well-nourished adults.
- Women's and Men's MultivitaminsDeficiency link
Iron and folate are the nutrients where reference advice really differs by sex or life stage. Supplements help where a shortfall exists, such as iron loss in heavy periods.
- Multivitamins for Adults Over 50Deficiency link
Deficiency of B12 is most common in people over 50; supplements correct it when it exists.
- B-Complex FormulasEstablished role
B-complex products are meant to cover B-vitamin needs. The trials we read in people without overt deficiency did not show clear benefit, so use is clinician-led where a deficiency is suspected.
- Immune Support FormulasPreliminary or mixed
Vitamin D benefit appears mainly with low levels; correcting a deficiency is a different aim from boosting a healthy immune system.
- Hair, Skin and Nails FormulasDeficiency link
Correcting a documented deficiency is the supported step for hair loss tied to one; supplements without a deficiency are unproven.
- Bone Health FormulasDeficiency link
Lack of calcium can lead to rickets, osteomalacia or osteoporosis (NHS). Supplements correct low intake; benefit when intake is adequate is not shown.
- Energy and Focus BlendsDeficiency link
Extreme tiredness is a symptom of B12 or folate deficiency; the NHS says diagnosis relies on symptoms plus a blood test, so persistent tiredness should be checked rather than self-treated with a blend.
- Vitamin B5Deficiency link
Deficiency is very rare but can cause tingling in the feet; almost all foods contain some pantothenic acid.
- ChromiumDeficiency link
MedlinePlus says low chromium may be seen in people with impaired glucose tolerance, older adults with type 2 diabetes, and infants with protein-calorie malnutrition. True dietary deficiency is not well defined.
- PhosphorusDeficiency link
Low phosphorus from diet is rare. Low blood phosphate is seen with severe malnutrition, alcohol use disorder, malabsorption and some other conditions.
- FluoridePreliminary or mixed
Too little fluoride may lead to more cavities. Low fluoride is mainly a dental concern, and well water often has too little to prevent decay.
- LysinePreliminary or mixed
In one trial in poor households in Accra, Ghana, many people were at risk of low lysine intake and lysine supplements reduced some illness. This is one setting and does not apply to people eating varied protein.
- GlutamineDeficiency link
Glutamine can become deficient in stress states such as critical illness, trauma, infection, cancer and gut disorders. This is an acquired depletion, not a common dietary deficiency.
- CarnitineDeficiency link
True carnitine deficiency is rare and mostly inherited. In vegans and vegetarians, fasting blood carnitine was similar to omnivores in one study.
- CreatineDeficiency link
People eating little or no meat have lower muscle creatine and may respond more to supplements. Creatine is not an essential nutrient for most people.
- Omega-6 fatty acidsDeficiency link
Not getting enough linoleic acid causes essential fatty acid deficiency (skin changes in infants; lab-confirmed deficiency in patients on certain intravenous feeds). It is rare in people eating normally.
- Sweet CherriesDeficiency link
Vitamin C from fruit helps prevent scurvy; a cup of cherries gives about 12% of the Daily Value, so cherries are a modest source.
- PeachesDeficiency link
Peaches give a modest share of vitamin C, which prevents scurvy; they are one of many fruit sources.
- NectarinesDeficiency link
Vitamin C lack can cause scurvy; a nectarine gives a modest share (about 9% of the Daily Value).
- ApricotsEstablished role
Apricots supply vitamin A and C in food form; they are one of many sources and no apricot-specific deficiency trial was read.
- MangoDeficiency link
Mango supplies vitamin C, folate and vitamin A (USDA); vitamin C lack causes scurvy (NHS).
- LycheeDeficiency link
Lychee supplies vitamin C (71.5 mg per 100 g), and lack of vitamin C causes scurvy; no lychee-specific trial was found.
- Star Fruit (Carambola)Deficiency link
Star fruit supplies vitamin C (41% of the Daily Value per cup, sliced), and a lack of vitamin C causes scurvy. It is one of many vitamin C foods, and it is unsafe for people with kidney disease.
- SpinachDeficiency link
Leafy greens such as spinach are a dietary source of folate and vitamin K, nutrients whose deficiency has known effects; food does not treat a diagnosed deficiency by itself.
- Arugula (Rocket)Deficiency link
Leafy greens such as arugula are a rich source of vitamin K; deficiency is uncommon and is usually due to poor absorption or long antibiotic use.
- Brussels SproutsDeficiency link
Rich in vitamin C, which prevents scurvy; this is about covering a deficiency, not extra benefit when intake is adequate.
- Chili PeppersDeficiency link
Vitamin C from food, including chili, prevents scurvy; chili is one source among many.
- Green PeasDeficiency link
Peas contribute folate and vitamin K, nutrients whose deficiency causes defined problems; peas alone are not a treatment.
- Globe ArtichokesDeficiency link
Artichoke provides folate (22% Daily Value per medium artichoke) and vitamin K, which prevent deficiency when intake is low; it is one food among many.
- Fennel BulbDeficiency link
Vitamin C in vegetables helps meet needs; too little causes scurvy (NHS). The bulb is a modest source (12 mg per 100 g).
- Sunflower SeedsEstablished role
Seeds supply vitamin E, copper, selenium and magnesium, which are needed; deficiency is uncommon and seeds are not shown to treat it.
- Watermelon SeedsEstablished role
Kernels supply magnesium, zinc and copper, which the body needs; they are not shown to treat deficiency.
- Nut Milks (Almond, Cashew and Others)Preliminary or mixed
Australian modelling found replacing cow's milk with unfortified plant drinks could raise low intakes of riboflavin, B12 and iodine; fortification varies by product.
- MatchaDocumented risk
Tea polyphenols reduce non-heme iron absorption in lab studies of black and herbal teas; matcha not tested.
- Black TeaDocumented risk
Black tea strongly reduced iron absorption from a test meal; NHS advises less tea for people with iron-deficiency anemia. A study of healthy adults found no link with iron stores.
- LentilsEstablished role
USDA lists folate and iron in cooked lentils. That shows it is a food source; we read no trial showing it corrects a deficiency.
- Chickpeas (Garbanzo Beans)Established role
USDA lists folate and iron in cooked chickpeas. That shows it is a food source; we read no trial showing it corrects a deficiency.
- Split PeasEstablished role
USDA lists fiber, protein and minerals in cooked split peas. That shows it is a food source; we read no trial showing it corrects a deficiency.
- Pigeon PeasEstablished role
USDA lists folate and iron in cooked pigeon peas. That shows it is a food source; we read no trial showing it corrects a deficiency.
- Black-Eyed Peas (Cowpeas)Established role
USDA lists folate and iron in cooked black-eyed peas. That shows it is a food source; we read no trial showing it corrects a deficiency.
- Fava Beans (Broad Beans)Established role
Cooked fava beans are a source of folate, fiber and protein per USDA; this is a food source, not a treatment for deficiency.
- Lupini Beans (Lupins)Established role
Cooked lupins are a source of protein, manganese, copper and folate per USDA; a food source, not a treatment for deficiency.
- Black BeansEstablished role
Cooked black beans are a source of folate, fiber, iron and protein per USDA; this is a food source, not a treatment for deficiency.
- Kidney BeansEstablished role
Cooked kidney beans are a source of folate, fiber, iron and protein per USDA; this is a food source, not a treatment for deficiency.
- Pinto BeansEstablished role
Cooked black beans are a source of folate, fiber, iron and protein per USDA; this is a food source, not a treatment for deficiency.
- Navy BeansEstablished role
Cooked navy beans supply folate and fiber per USDA data. A food source is not treatment of a deficiency.
- White Beans (Cannellini & Great Northern)Established role
Cooked white beans supply folate and fiber per USDA data. A food source is not treatment of a deficiency.
- Lima BeansEstablished role
Cooked lima beans supply folate and fiber per USDA data. A food source is not treatment of a deficiency.
- Mung BeansEstablished role
Cooked mung beans supply folate and fiber per USDA data. A food source is not treatment of a deficiency.
- Adzuki BeansEstablished role
Cooked adzuki beans supply folate and fiber per USDA data. A food source is not treatment of a deficiency.
- Chickpea Flour (Besan)Established role
The flour is a source of protein, fiber, folate, copper and manganese per USDA.
- Pulse Flours (Lentil, Pea & Fava)Established role
The dry seeds are sources of protein, fiber, folate and iron per USDA; flour values were not measured.
- Soy MilkEstablished role
Fortified soy milk supplies calcium and vitamin B12 (USDA); unfortified types supply much less.
- Oat MilkEstablished role
Calcium and other nutrients in oat milk depend on fortification (3 to 120 mg calcium per 100 mL across labels).
- Rice MilkEstablished role
Rice milk has little protein; calcium and B12 depend on fortification.
- Coconut Milk BeverageEstablished role
Calcium and vitamin B12 depend on fortification; protein is low.
- Nori (Laver)Preliminary or mixed
Nori is sometimes suggested to help avoid B12 deficiency; the evidence is small, and fortified foods or supplements are the usual advice.
- Kaolin Clay (White Clay)Documented risk
Case report of iron deficiency anemia from eating kaolin.
- Sea Salt, Himalayan Salt and Dead Sea Salt: Mineral ClaimsDeficiency link
Iodine added to table salt prevents goiter; sea and Himalayan salt iodine content was not stated in the sources read.
- Creatine in Food (Meat and Fish)Preliminary or mixed
Diets without meat or fish give little or no dietary creatine and are linked to lower muscle stores. Lower stores are not shown to be a health problem.
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