Vitamin Deficiency
It is a sad fact of life that many of us-both adults and children-do not get the necessary amounts of vitamins that our bodies need to stay healthy and function properly. In fact, the majority of Americans do not meet the daily recommended nutritional requirements! And while to some, this may not seem like a big deal, vitamin deficiency can lead to some very serious health problems.
For example: Children who do not get enough vitamin D may develop rickets, which could result in deformities of the skeleton. If adults do not get enough vitamin D, they could suffer from weak muscles and weak bone. In fact, you too may be at risk for a vitamin D deficiency if you are older, over weight, or do not have very much exposure to the sun. Another example is vitamin A. Not enough vitamin A can cause you to lose your appetite, have bone abnormalities, and may stunt growth in children. A condition called hyperkeratosis is another sign that someone is not getting enough Vitamin A. Hyperkeratosis is when the skin produces too much keratin and it blocks hair follicles and results in skin that is covered with what looks like goose bumps.
These are just a few examples of what a vitamin deficiency can do to adults and children. The best way to avoid vitamin deficiency? Make sure to eat a healthy, varied diet that is low in fat and includes a variety of fruits and vegetables. If you are still concerned about vitamin deficiency, you may also want to consider a nutritional supplement.
Related Information
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