4 vitamins you might be lacking

October 13, 2015

Vitamins are some of the most essential elements for humans and it's easy to become deficient in them if you don't consume or absorb enough of them. Read on to discover the top four vitamins potentially missing from your daily diet.

4 vitamins you might be lacking

1. Vitamin D

  • Vitamin D is one of the most important vitamins for the body. It acts like a hormone and regulates multiple functions in the body.
  • People lacking in vitamin D are at risk of serious health issues like colon cancer, heart attacks, and dementia.
  • Depending on the time of year and your general lifestyle, it can be difficult to get enough vitamin D since the main source is the sun.
  • A good way to ensure adequate vitamin D levels is to spend at least 15 minutes outside each day without sunscreen. If this is not possible, you can take a supplement instead.

2. Riboflavin

  • Riboflavin, another name for vitamin B2, is an antioxidant that controls a range of bodily functions, directly impacts everything from skin health to proper metabolism.
  • According to experts, riboflavin is one of the most common vitamin deficiencies.
  • Riboflavin is found in an assortment of foods, including egg yolks, crimini mushrooms, yogurt, milk stored in an opaque container (it is light sensitive) and more.
  • If these foods are not staples in your diet, consider taking a riboflavin supplement.

3. Vitamin B12

  • Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin, because it helps form red blood cell and is involved in DNA synthesis.
  • Because it controls the creation of two of our body's most essential elements, deficiency in this vitamin can be serious or even life threatening. Fish and shellfish are some of the main providers of vitamin B12.
  • Non-seafood sources include red meat, milk, and yogurt.
  • For vegetarians, vegans, or people who don't eat the above foods, there is a good chance you might be lacking in this vitamin and your doctor or nutritionist can help determine if you require a B12 supplement.

4. Vitamin K2

  • Vitamin K2 is one of the least known vitamins. Despite its mysterious status, a vitamin K2 deficiency can cause many health problems, like brittle bones and teeth, tooth and gum decay, sprains and fractures, and more.
  • Since the main sources of K2 are egg yolks, goose liver, butter, cheese and eggs, vegans and vegetarians often suffer from a deficiency.
  • To combat this issue, doctors recommend increasing consumption of leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables.
  • Kale, broccoli, romaine lettuce, and spinach are all high in vitamin K2. If , supplements for the vitamin are available.

Even for people who eat a healthy diet and live a healthy lifestyle, it is possible to encounter nutritional deficiencies. The above-mentioned vitamins are often lacking in modern diets, however, without proper food alternatives, these deficiencies require supplementation to fulfil.

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