By Sandra Wilkins


The use of prescription drugs is often overlooked as a major factor that contributes to nutritional deficiencies. Typically, the focus is placed on diet and perhaps some lifestyle issues, but many are unaware that the medications they use are possibly creating additional health problems that may not become apparent for a long time. Drug-induced nutrient depletion is a health threat that is not acknowledged by the majority of health care practitioners and it's not because of a lack of information about the subject, because many studies have been published that document the drug-induced depletion of nutrients.

Nutritional deficiencies do not become obvious quickly. A marginal nutrient deficiency, referred to as a "subclinical deficiency," indicates a deficiency of a particular vitamin or mineral that is not severe enough to produce a classic deficiency sign or symptom. In many instances the only clue of a subclinical nutrient deficiency may be fatigue, lethargy, difficulty in concentration, a lack of well-being, or other vague symptoms.
Deficiency-related health problems may never be diagnosed, and the patient may end up taking additional medications for complaints that are really the body's signal for nutrition therapy.

Drugs can deplete nutrients by decreasing their absorption, or by hindering the way nutrients are transformed by the body. They can also affect the storage of nutrients or the way the body excretes the end products of the metabolism of nutrients.

The key to preventing this kind of deficiency is to know what vitamin or mineral can be affected by the drug prescribed to the patient.

If the drug will be used for a lengthy period of time the patient should simply increase intakes of the specified nutrient for the duration of the use of the drug. This simple step will help prevent deficiency-related health problems and help improve the chances of achieving the desired health outcomes for patients.

Some examples of nutrient depletion are as follows:

Antacids deplete calcium and phosphorus

Antibiotics deplete B vitamins (all of them), intestinal flora and Vitamin K

Antidiabetics deplete Coenzyme Q10

Anti-inflammatories deplete Vitamin C, folic acid, potassium and iron

Cholesterol-lowering drugs deplete Coenzyme Q10

Cardiovascular drugs deplete calcium, folic acid and zinc

Ace Inhibitors deplete zinc

Beta-Blockers deplete Coenzyme Q10 and melatonin

Sandra Wilkins, D.T. has extensive experience in natural health and clinical nutrition. As a Dietetic Technician Sandra works with hospital staff dietitians, performing patient nutrition assessments,food and drug interaction education, and patient diet education. In a different capacity she writes guide books on nutrition and wellness. Her background includes 14 years experience in natural health practices, so her combined natural health and clinical nutritional experience makes her uniquely qualified to help clients to tackle health issues. http://www.easystepsfordiabeteshealth.com

By John Farikani


Hair loss women vitamin deficiency, are they words that should be placed together? Does the lack of certain vitamins in your diet really have that much to do with healthy hair growth? If so is there any way to help so you will not have this problem?

These questions are all good ones, and yes it is a cause that can be helped with hair loss women vitamin deficiency. Though stress happens to be the main cause, lack of vitamins and minerals in your diet will lead to many problems when it comes to hair loss.

Did you know that each day a person can lose up to 100 hairs from their head? But in most people those hairs will grow back. When your hair doesn't grow back after falling out it is a fact you are suffering from hair loss. Your hormones only have to be out of balance to have problems caused when it comes to hair growing.

Though illness can also contribute to thinning hair in anyone too. Polycystic ovary syndrome is a condition that can lead to symptoms such as hair loss in women. There are of course other ailments that can bring about similar symptoms.

It just so happens though right below stress levels that vitamins and minerals are the two other causes that will have women losing hair. One of these situations can arrive when there are too many fatty acids on your scalp. With those acids your scalp may become too dry, and the hair will not grow.

In order to help prevent hair loss in this way you should use a shampoo that treats dry scalp. It has also been proven that women who have short hair will not lose as much hair as the women with longer hair will. Using or taking biotin can help promote hair growth also. If you want to try this take two pills every day, around 8000 milligrams.

Saw palmetto can also help in promoting the healthy growth of new hair. It will help the testosterone levels build up in your body. Other vitamins that may be lacking in your diet include iron and manganese; you can also add those by taking a pill each day.

Though it is normal to lose a bit of hair each day, hair loss women vitamin deficiency can be a problem. So if you notice too much of your hair is coming out get into see your doctor.

By Gabe Mirkin, M.D.


Vitamins are parts of enzymes you can't live without, and your body can't make. We take them for granted today, but vitamin deficiency diseases plagued our ancestors and took a long time to figure out.

Vitamin C is found in fruits and vegetables, and Scurvy, caused by lack of vitamin C for many weeks or months, wasn't identified until people were separated from plants for long periods of time – and that first occurred when they built ships that could go on long voyages.

The crew of Magellan's voyage around the world in 1519 got scurvy, and in 1600 a British report showed 10,000 sailors had died of scurvy in 20 years. In 1747, James Lind, the ship's physician aboard the HMS Salisbury, conducted an experiment on 12 sick men. He divided them into six groups and fed them all the same diet, but gave each pair a different supplement: apple juice, sulfuric acid, vinegar, a mix of spices, sea water, or citrus fruits.

The two men given the oranges and lemon recovered immediately and were back at work in six days. The men who had apple juice improved, but not enough to work. None of the others got any better. Lind's report led to lemon juice rations on long voyages – and sailors called "limeys."

Without vitamin C you don't make collagen, essential to connective tissue, so your gums bleed, teeth loosen, joints and muscles ache, and eventually you die. Any reasonable diet that includes fruits and vegetables gives you enough, so scurvy is rarely seen in North America today.

What about the Eskimos? Most animals, except humans, make their own vitamin C and it's possible to get enough vitamin C to sustain you from fresh meat, especially liver. The word "eskimo" means raw flesh eaters.

By Gregg Hall


As you all ready know vitamins and minerals are an essential part of a well balanced diet in order to stay healthy and to make sure that your body functions properly. The actual symptoms of a vitamin deficiency will not appear until the levels are at very high level.

A vitamin A, B1, or B2 deficiency will show itself as an emotional or mental stress, chapped lips, and other annoying or painful habits. There will also be a loss of appetite. There are some other accompanying annoying and painful habits.

Alcoholism, poor diet, stress, lack of vitamins, or even medications that interfere with the body's consumption of vitamins are the top reasons for vitamin and mineral deficiency in most people. If you are experiencing constant fatigue you may want to consider a lack of vitamins and minerals to be a possible cause. Your doctor will likely prescribe vitamin supplements as a treatment. The one thing that you do not want to do is over do and overdose on vitamins because this can cause more harm than good.

You may watch what you eat and be sure that you are eating all of your vegetables and fruits but it still is a good idea to take vitamin supplements. By taking supplements you are sure to get every vitamin and mineral that you need just in case your diet is missing something. Without even knowing it you will be taking care of something that you could be missing out on. The missing vitamin or mineral could influence your health and well being.

When purchasing vitamins the essential ingredients are B6, B12, D, E, and folic acid these are not only essential vitamins but help in the fight against cancer and maintain a healthy heart. They also help to keep your immune system strong which keeps you healthy and keep you feeling refreshed.

Vitamins can be found online or at local nutrition stores, in many grocery stores, or discount stores, and at a variety of prices. You do not need to spend a lot of money on vitamins. Also keep in mind that vitamins do not replace a well balanced diet. They are meant to supplement a well balanced diet. Vitamins and minerals give your body additional nutrients not all the nutrients that you need.

Anytime that you cannot eat right however, vitamin supplements are even more necessary than before. Supplements are one of the best investments you can make. Yes, the cost does add up over time, but what is a better investment than you? Surprisingly vitamin deficiency is quite common. Something that can be so easily prevented should not be, do your part to be healthy.

By Ernie Mata


Did you know that hair loss can occur when a vitamin deficiency occurs? It's true, there are a few essential vitamins your body needs to maintain good hair health. While there are other factors that may cause hair loss vitamin deficiency is the easiest one you can work on.

So what vitamin deficiency can cause hair loss? You'll be surprised, but there is actually more than one particular vitamin that may cause hair loss if your body lacks those vitamins. One of the major vitamins your body needs for healthy and rich hair is Biotin. Also known as vitamin H, Biotin aids in hair growth and has been shown to prevent further hair loss The basic function of Biotin is to metabolize free fatty acids, which are also important for overall body health. Biotin also works to prevent greying just as well as preventing hair loss.

Another vitamin good for hair loss is Pantothenic Acid. This vitamin also known as Calcium Pantothenate is vital for good health in the skin and the scalp. This vitamin helps with the refining of food for energy. Continued consumption of this vitamin has been shown to turn grey hair into normal darker hair and reverse hair loss You can find this vitamin in such foods as egg yolks, whole grain foods, whole milk, and vegetables like potatoes.

For hair loss also try to take in vitamin A, a deficiency in vitamin A can cause dry skin and dry hair though you should only take about 2,500 iu of Vitamin A per day. Some studies have shown that overuse of vitamin A can further cause hair loss and other diseases. Carrots are rich in vitamin A if you need to fill your vitamin A intake for the day.

Did you know that hair is made out of protein? That's right, your hair is actually 90% protein, so naturally, a deficiency in protein may cause hair loss A good way to get your protein is to eat lean meats, dairy, and whey. Whey protein is easily absorbed by your body and can greatly benefit your hair's health.

If you're suffering from hair loss it's recommended to take a multivitamin that has all of these vitamins, that way you can just take one vitamin and receive all the benefits.

By Tracy Ballisager


Being a woman with hair loss can be devastating. Women feel more embarrassed than men usually do. Hair Loss is a very major and growing concern in today's world, and usually appears more during the childbearing years and also by aging. Stress is another major cause . There are about 100 hairs that fall out of a persons head everyday, in order for another one to take its place. This happens when the hair doesn't grow back the way it should and its usually caused by a loss of certain vitamins, iron, and hormones in the body. Hormone imbalances are also responsible for female hair loss. There is a very wide array of other illnesses that can cause women to lose their hair but the ones mention here are the most common.

Vitamins and minerals are at the very top of the list. Fatty acids in your scalp result in a dry scalp . Shampooing your hair regularly with shampoos that are used especially to prevent dry scalp can reduce these fatty acids. Some brands of shampoos have special vitamins in the ingredients for healthy hair. Women with long hair, past the bottom of the shoulder, are at more risk than women with shorter hair.There are some natural vitamins for promoting hair growth on the market. Biotin is a vitamin in the B family and is essential in the proper growth of hair. Taking two tablets a day about 5000-8000 mg would ensure enough effective results that you should begin to see in just a few weeks. Other vitamins that women should take for healthy hair is saw palmetto which is made from natural ingredients that help rebuild the levels of testosterone, which is the primary hormone in females responsible for healthy hair growth.

A loss in manganese and iron, which are also vitamins for promoting growth. Iron minerals are found mostly in the blood stream more than any place else in the body. It is another main vitamin that helps promotes hair growth.Losing a certain amount of hair is lost everyday which is normal. Losing 50 to 100 strands a day wouldn't be cause to rush down and check with your doctor. But if you notice excessive or hair thinning it is time to seek outside help. Regardless of the age when it begins, and the longer you wait to seek treatment the more permanent the it will become. Fortunately, hair loss in women doesn't result in complete baldness as it does in men. Women may only experience small round patches. Treating and diagnosing female hair loss isn't as simple and straight forward as male pattern baldness.

However, many physicians agree that women should begin to start a hair growth program as soon as possible. Like men's, there are usually several underlying causes. There is good news. Most of the hair loss in women can be completely reversed, however, the idea if diagnosing and treating it will involve a responsible and informed doctor, and a series of tests to rule out the causes. Research studies indicate that a cure is less than ten years away, and with all the new discoveries in medicine and the release of certain medicines from the AFDC, a cure might even come sooner

By Ava Alderman


If you're a woman experiencing hair loss, it's probably safe to say that you want to explore and fully rule out every option that could be causing this. There are so many issues that could be the culprit here - genetics, hormones, pregnancy, going on and off birth control pills, thyroid issues, adrenal issues, scalp issues, and the list goes on and on. One thing that I've recently been asked about a lot is vitamin deficiencies. It's really tempting to think that just replacing some nutrients or popping some hair vitamins will solve the problem. There's a couple of reasons why this isn't always the most effective route to go. I'll explain why in this article.

The Vitamin Deficiencies That Can Sometimes Cause Hair Loss: There are a couple of vitamins that do effect your hair. The first is iron. Anemia has been linked to changes in hair. What most doctors will look at are your ferritin levels and they tend to fluctuate wildly during different times of the month. (When you are menstruating and lose blood, your levels will be lower.)

There was a time when I thought that my hair loss could be directly related to my low iron (My iron has tested low ever since I was a teenager.) But, at my lowest level as a teenager, my hair was to die for. And, I've raised my iron level several times over and it often did very little to effect my hair loss. I also need to state that you absolutely should not try to guesstimate your level or take supplements on your own hoping for the best. Too much iron can be as bad for you (and your hair) as too little. It's so important that you work with your doctor here if this truly is an issue. He or she can help you to reach your optimal and healthiest level.

B vitamins and protein can also affect your hair. It's said that vegetarians can have hair issues because they don't take in enough protein. This can be true for some people, but many celebrities are vegetarians with awesome heads of hair. Still, if you think that this may be a concern for you, be diligent about getting enough protein in your diet.

Most experts will tell you though that typically the western diet has very little vitamin deficiencies. We are among the most over nourished countries in the world. Although it's never a bad idea to take a standard multi vitamin to cover all bases, I find the idea of hair loss vitamins to be a waste of money. Most excess vitamins will just come out through your urine, pretty much literally flushing your money down the drain.

What You May Want To Look At In Addition To Vitamins: In my own experience with hair loss, it's often very rare (for women) that we can change what is going on internally. The exception is if you have documented, supervised medical conditions (like thyroid or adrenal issues) that can be fixed. It's more common that there is a DHT or sebum issue that is effecting your scalp and choking out your hair follicles. (This can be genetic or it can be a fixable scalp issue.) It is much more effective (and safe) to deal with this topically.

I am not a doctor, but in my experience as a woman with previously chronic hair loss, It's best to first address the likely inflammation that is usually a precursor to (or the result of) the chronic hair loss. Once you get a handle on the inflammation, the next step is to bring on and support healthy regrowth. You'll need to have a very healthy scalp for this. Because scalps that still have DHT or inflammation result in unhealthy, miniaturized hair that is only going to fall out again.

It can be very tempting to try to change your hormones or throw a bunch of different supplements at the issue. But, in my experience, this often makes things worse. Women who are prone to hair loss are usually very sensitive to even small internal changes. So, I believe that it is important to try the topical method first before changing up your hormones or changing things inside, unless your doctor advices you of this because of a medical condition (in which case topicals can still help with regrowth and inflammation.)

By Alitsa Neuyo


It is a well known fact that our body requires a specific intake of minerals and vitamins to remain in good health and work perfectly. The body can be supplied with the vitamins it requires through a maintained diet and healthy food, even then the body can become unhealthy and face problems, if the food you take doesn't provide it with the required vitamins, causing a deficiency in vitamins within the body. This can be observed at higher levels of deficiency of the required vitamins.

If someone faces loss of appetite or fells tired most of the time, it clearly indicates lack of vitamins A, B1 and B2. Other visible problems may be chapped lips, emotional and mental stress and more painful and troubling habits.

Though the causes of the deficiencies are many, the most common are stress, improper vitamin content, improper diet and consumption of medicines which obstruct vitamins. If the body does not receive the necessary vitamins everyday, a person tends to feel tired and less energetic. Usually supplements and vitamins will be prescribed by the physician if you consult one, under such circumstances. This will fulfill the required content of your body. It is also important to ensure that vitamins are not taken in excess than required, as this more likely harm your body. Some people try to make up for the deficiency by consuming extra vitamins; this is, however, not suggested.

Even if you are taking a proper diet, you will still be required to take supplements and vitamins. Eating healthy food doesn't imply that the required content of vitamins has been taken, so it is always suggested to take the required vitamins apart from that. These are a great alternative to make up for the missing minerals and nutrients which your diet might not fulfill.

The supplements and vitamins should be taken prior and after every meal. It is important for you to ensure that the body gets the required vitamins in case of any deficiency. Though you cannot really make out, but this deficiency highly effects your health and overall performance.

Supplements should always contain vitamins B6, B12, D, E, and folic acid. These supplements are quite effective in fighting cancer and also keep your heart healthy, apart from acting as a supplementary diet. All these combined make you feel more energetic and ensure a healthy and proper immune system.

Taking good care of your body is important. To ensure this you might have to spend some money. These supplements and vitamins are available online or nearby nutrition stores and some of these are quite affordable. Regardless of your age, it is important to ensure consumption of proper food. Also remember that these are only supplements to provide the additional content of vitamins, which you may not be getting in the food you take, so do not think of replacing your food with these products

If you have not been able to consume proper food, which may happen at times, you can make use of these supplements and vitamins to provide the body with the required intake. It is one of the best places where you can invest your money, as it helps ensuring the right content of vitamins in the body. Though the cost may accumulate over a period of time and you might be spending considerable money over these, it provides the worth to your money by keeping your body fit and healthy, and at the same time preventing a vitamin deficiency. Even though it is a common problem in today's time, it can be easily taken care of.

By Shan Silva


Wherever there is poverty there is malnutrition, which means that this problem is present in all the world, even in the more favored countries.

Children fail to gain weight and adults appear withered and old. Even - youth show evidence of loss of weight, with skin wrinkled and arms shrunk to skin and bones. Careful examination reveals that they also suffer from skin lesions, bone deformities and anemia. In extreme cases the abdomen is distended but this condition is seen only in times of war or famine.

Even where food is available in abundance people may still suffer from malnutrition due to certain faulty dietary habits. Using alcohol and tobacco in any form will result in loss of appetite. The habits of eating sweets and taking food between meals should be shunned if one desires to cultivate a good appetite. A diet high in carbohydrates needs to be supplemented with proteins and vitamins. Special care should be taken in cases of nursing mothers and pregnant women, for these conditions make heavy nutritional demands on the system. One of the greatest problems facing nutritionists is the popular use in many countries of foods deficient in essential minerals, vitamins and proteins. Modern refining processes frequently rob food of these important elements; as a result untold numbers of people suffer from diseases of malnutrition.

If the diet is deficient in one element it is often deficient in others. The total result of such a diet is often a bizarre group of complaints that add up to no specific diagnosis. For this reason it is often necessary to prescribe tablets containing all the vitamins and also the essential mineral elements. There are also a few problems related to specific nutritional deficiencies in certain particular areas.

By Joann Grant


Millions and millions of people world wide suffer from partial or complete hair loss. There exist varied reasons of this agonizing problem. So it is very difficult for dermatologists to ascertain exact reason of hair loss.

However if the loss of hair strikes after usage of certain medications, it could be easily adjudged as a side effect of medication. But many a times the underlying reasons for hair loss remain unidentified. And one such hair loss is deficiency related hair loss. Malnutrition or deficiency of nutrients and vitamins often paves the way for hair fall. So you must check your sharp hair fall against these deficiencies.

Hair follicles require certain vitamins to carry on their constant function of regeneration and growth. If follicles remain deprived of these vitamins they won't be able to carry out their normal functioning and may result in hair loss.

Most often due to poor dietary habits or disturbed metabolism folks happen to be deficient with these vitamins. So a change in dietary habits or food intake is necessary to ensure enough intake of necessary vitamins for hair in order to prevent hair loss.

Vitamin A, E and B are of special significance in keeping the healthy hair.

Vitamin A keeps hair moist by helping them to secrete sebum in scalp as per requirement. This sebum keeps hairs away from dryness. This dryness of hair happens to be first step towards hair fall. So there must not be deficiency of this vital vitamin that also happens to be an anti oxidant.

Vitamin E performs the vital function of increasing level of blood circulation towards scalp and also helps follicle cells take enough oxygen. This result in enhanced ability of follicles to regenerate and grow hair. And the deficiency would adversely affect follicular function.

And four different types of vitamin B also cast adverse effect on hair condition if present in less than needed level. Biotin is a complex vitamin B that effectively curbs hair loss and contribute greatly in keeping hairs firm on scalp. Milk and egg yolk are major sources to cover up this deficiency. Para Amino Benzoic Acid is another B complex that is of equal significance for hair nourishment. Vitamin B6 and Inositol are other two B vitamins that are necessary for healthy hair.

If you are facing deficiency of these vitamins you should incorporate food items in your diet to ensure sufficient intake of these vitamins. It would lessen possibility of hair loss.