Hypovitaminosis

General description of the disease

This is a pathological condition on the verge of a disease associated with a lack of vitamins in the body. As a rule, hypovitaminosis progresses in spring and winter. It is at this time that the minimum amount of vitamins enters the human body with food. Vitamin deficiency affects people of any age and gender^[3].

There is a stereotype according to which the concepts of hypovitaminosis and vitamin deficiency mean the same thing. This is not actually the case. Hypovitaminosis is a lack of vitamins in the human body, while vitamin deficiency is a complete absence of any vitamin.

Classification and reasons for the development of different types of hypovitaminosis

The main factor that contributes to the development of vitamin deficiency is an unbalanced diet. This applies to the winter-spring period, when there is not enough fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables in our menu. Hypovitaminosis can cause long-term nutrition of the same type and, therefore, an imbalance between the amount of protein and carbohydrates consumed in favor of the latter.

Incorrect storage of food and heat exposure destroy vitamins and nutrients. It should be noted that during intense sports activities, prolonged stress and prolonged stay in cold rooms, the body needs to receive almost 2 times more vitamins.

An insufficient amount of vitamins can be caused by uncontrolled intake of antibiotics and some diseases.

Consider the causes and classification of the presented pathology in more detail:

• hypovitaminosis A occurs when there is a lack of animal fats and proteins, fresh herbs, fruits, vegetables and an excess of carbohydrates. The cause of this form of hypovitaminosis can be physical overwork and intense psychological stress. Diseases such as cirrhosis of the liver, thyroid disorders, diabetes mellitus and infectious diseases can also provoke a lack of vitamin A;
• hypovitaminosis of group B causes an insufficient amount of dairy products in the daily menu, pathology of the liver, thyroid gland and intestines. Lack of vitamins of this group can occur against the background of a vegetarian diet, beer alcoholism and prolonged exposure to high and low temperatures. A lack of vitamin B can develop as a result of long-term consumption of raw fish (for example, among sushi lovers), an excess of carbohydrates and protein in the diet, long-term use of anti-tuberculosis drugs;
• hypovitaminosis C can provoke prolonged heat treatment of products, a lack of fresh fruits in the menu, sports stress and mental strain;
• hypovitaminosis Dusually occurs in children who spend little time outdoors. An unbalanced diet with an insufficient amount of fat, a deficiency of trace elements such as K and P. can cause vitamin D deficiency.
• hypovitaminosis K develops against the background of uncontrolled intake of certain drugs, liver and intestinal pathologies and prolonged intake of low-fat foods.

Symptoms of hypovitaminosis

1. 1 hypovitaminosis A characterized by visual impairment, which manifests itself in the form of night blindness, flashing flies and color vision disorders. The symptoms of this form of hypovitaminosis are also flaking of the skin, brittle hair, dermatitis and diaper rash in babies. With a lack of vitamin A, the protective functions of the body decrease, insomnia and problems with erection may occur;
2. 2 hypovitaminosis B manifested by irritability, insomnia, abdominal pain, periodic urge to vomit. In this case, the sensitivity of the limbs is sometimes disturbed, and there are often convulsions. Also, frequent companions of hypovitaminosis B can be diarrhea, dry skin, problems with coordination, deterioration in visual acuity, peeling of the skin, cracks in the corners of the lips and poor blood clotting;
3. 3 hypovitaminosis C characterized by bleeding gums up to tooth loss, fragility of blood vessels, decreased immunity, anemia, lethargy, low concentration of attention;
4. 4 hypovitaminosis D leads to softening of bones, complete loss of appetite, insomnia, visual impairment and weight loss;
5. 5 hypovitaminosis E manifested by a tendency to obesity, brittle hair and nails, a decrease in reproductive function;
6. 6 hypovitaminosis K expressed by a tendency to bleeding.

Complications of hypovitaminosis

Incorrect therapy of hypovitaminosis can provoke the development of vitamin deficiency, in which the work of many organs in the body is disrupted. In rare cases, severe vitamin deficiency can lead to the death of the patient. Hypovitaminosis in pregnant women can cause heart disease or rickets in babies.

Long-term vitamin A deficiency can cause mental and physical retardation. If vitamin C is lacking, scurvy can develop. Lack of vitamin D can result in rickets. Hypovitaminosis K is fraught with intracranial hemorrhage.

Prevention of hypovitaminosis

As a preventive measure, nutritionists recommend eating a full-fledged balanced diet, with as much fresh herbs, seasonal fruits and vegetables as possible.

In the autumn-spring period, it is necessary to add a menu of porridge, sauerkraut, carrots and rosehip broth. During pregnancy, with intense physical and psychological stress or after a long illness, a multivitamin complex should be consumed.

Treatment of hypovitaminosis in official medicine

Vitamin deficiency therapy is aimed at replenishing vitamin deficiencies. With a moderate form of this ailment, doctors recommend replenishing the lack of vitamins through a balanced diet rich in herbs, fruits and vegetables.

Multivitamin preparations are also prescribed, and with advanced forms of this pathology, vitamins are administered by injection. It should be remembered that uncontrolled intake of vitamins can provoke the development of hypervitaminosis, therefore, a doctor should prescribe treatment.

Attention!

The administration is not responsible for any attempt to use the information provided, and does not guarantee that it will not harm you personally. The materials cannot be used to prescribe treatment and make a diagnosis. Always consult your specialist doctor!