Determine vitamin deficiency – which doctor should you go to?

The human body needs certain amounts of nutrients to function properly. Vitamins and minerals are absolutely necessary for various bodily functions such as cell and tissue growth and the regulation of metabolism. A healthy, balanced diet can usually maintain an adequate vitamin level. In some cases, however, a lack of micronutrients can arise and various symptoms can be used as a warning signal. These include, for example, fatigue, hair loss, anxiety, depression, memory problems, poor concentration, sensitivity to light and many more.

Symptoms of vitamin deficiency include fatigue, depression, lack of concentration

If you are concerned about any nutritional deficiencies, it is best to seek advice from a doctor to assess the nature and possible causes. As soon as a vitamin deficiency is found, you need to take ongoing treatment. If the deficiency is related to a particular medical condition or illness, special medical care may be required.

How can the doctor determine vitamin deficiency?

The doctor can determine vitamin deficiency through blood tests

Make an appointment with a general practitioner. By the way, you can now also book doctor's appointments online. To determine a vitamin deficiency, the doctor will request blood tests. You may even be asked to do several blood tests because the large blood count alone is not sufficient for all nutritional parameters. The blood samples are then analyzed to assess the nutrient level in the blood serum. Results that are below the lower limit of the reference values ​​indicate a deficiency. So why start a month-long guesswork about different symptoms when laboratory tests can give concrete answers so easily and quickly?

Detect vitamin deficiency in the blood

Detect vitamin deficiency in the blood thanks to reference values

These reference values ​​(normal values) apply to adults:

Vitamin A: 20 – 80 mg / dl (0.7 – 2.8 mmol / l)
Vitamin D: 20 – 50 ng / ml, summer: 15 – 95 ng / ml, winter: 12 – 62 ng / ml
There is disagreement about the ideal vitamin D level. At values ​​in the range of 20-35 ng / ml one usually speaks of an undersupply. Other researchers believe that values ​​of 30 or even 40-60 ng / ml are considered optimal. However, consuming more than 150 ng / ml can be harmful to your health.
Vitamin E: 5 – 20 μg / ml (12 – 48 mmol / l)
Vitamin B1: 10 – 60 mcg / dl
Vitamin B2: 3.6-18 µg / ml
Vitamin B6: 5 – 24 μg / ml
Vitamin B12: 310 – 1100 pg / ml, (229 – 812 pmol / l)
Vitamin C: > 2 μg / dl
Folic acid (vitamin B9): 3 – 15 ng / ml
calcium: 2.15 – 2.75 mmol / l (8.4 – 10.4 μg / dl)
Magnesium: 1.75 – 4 μg / dl (0.7 – 1.6 mmol / l)
Potassium: 3.5 – 5.1 mmol / l
Iron: 80 – 150 μg / dl (men), 50 – 140 mg / dl (women)
Zinc: 55 – 150 μg / dl
* The values ​​can vary in different laboratories.

What to do if you have a vitamin deficiency?

Diet for iron deficiency nuts beans eggs liver

Discuss the results of the blood test with your doctor. Vitamin deficiency can have many causes, such as one-sided diet, stress or certain medications and antibiotics. You may need to adjust your diet and use supplements to correct the deficiency. However, some shortcomings are due to a particular illness or blood disorder, such as Crohn's disease, celiac disease, kidney disease, or alcoholism. In this case, the doctor can refer you to a specialist.

Nutritionist helps plan a balanced diet

Ask him for a referral to a specialist or nutritionist who can monitor ongoing treatment and the nutritional plan. A nutritionist will usually help you plan a balanced diet and advise you on the use of vitamin supplements. If your vitamin deficiency is the result of an illness, you can also visit a specialist in addition to a nutritionist. For example, if you have ulcerative colitis or gastritis, you can see a gastroenterologist and at the same time have regular appointments with a nutritionist.

Dietary supplements can be beneficial if you are deficient in vitamins

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