Vitamin Deficiencies
Vitamins are a group of organic substances occurring naturally in animals and plants in small quantities an which are essential to the normal growth and functioning of the body. Each vitamin serves a distinct function in the body and thus cannot be substituted for by another vitamin, and all vitamins require the presence of minerals before they can be effectively utilized in the body. Fat-soluble vitamins can be stored in the body for future use. Water-soluble vitamins cannot be stored and must be replaced on a daily basis. Vitamin deficiencies in eating disorders may cause or aggravate a wide variety of problems and diseases.
Click on each vitamin below to learn more about vitamin function as well as signs and symptoms of deficiencies.
- Vitamin B Deficiency
- Since the B vitamins seem equally needed by all the cells in the body, deficiencies can produce damage well before any notice is taken of it…
- Vitamin B1 Deficiency
- Vitamin B1 (thiamine) helps to change glucose into energy or fat. From this function flows its importance in the distribution of oxygen in the body…
- Riboflavin Deficiency
- Riboflavin plays an important role in both protein and energy metabolism, and which is required for tissue oxidation and respiration…
- Vitamin B6 Deficiency
- Vitamin B6 aids in blood building and the utilization of fats, and it is of great importance to the normal functioning of the brain, nerves, and muscles…
- Vitamin B12 Deficiency
- Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) is essential for the functioning of all cells, but especially for the cells of the bone marrow…
- Biotin Deficiency
- Biotin (Vitamin H) plays an essential role in the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats…
- Folic Acid Deficiency
- Folic Acid (Folacin) is necessary for the division of body cells and for the production of RNA and DNA…
- Niacin Deficiency
- Niacin (nicotinic acid) is important in tissue respiration; and is needed for proper brain functions, the nervous system, and for a healthy skin…
- Pantothenic Acid Deficiency
- Niacin (nicotinic acid) is necessary for the release of energy from sugar and fat…
- Vitamin C Deficiency
- Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) has many functions in the body. It plays an important role in the formation of collagen…
- Vitamin D Deficiency
- Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin essential to the absorption, retention, and proper utilization of calcium.
Eating Disorder Self Test. Take the EAT-26 self test to see if you might have eating disorder symptoms that might require professional evaluation. All answers are confidential.