Vitamin & Nutrient Deficiencies

How do you support people with vitamin and nutrient deficiencies at Collective Health Center?

In today’s world of fast foods, technology, and work-from-home norms, there are so many out there who are developing deficiencies of some essential vitamins and nutrients given to us from healthy foods and optimal digestion. I see many different vitamin and nutrient deficiencies that can be caused by anything from an imbalanced diet, chronic stress, poor digestion, pharmaceuticals, to simply not getting enough sunlight exposure. 

While there are so many different vitamin and nutrient deficiencies out there, some of the most common that I see among my patients are Vitamin D, vitamin A, vitamin B1 and vitamin B12, iron, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids. I specialize in working with my patients to optimize their gut health so that they absorb these better. One of the first things I consider is how well a patient may be absorbing nutrients in their guts, as this is extremely important and a major reason why a lot of people are developing deficiencies. Without the proper bacteria, a balance between good and so-called ‘bad’ in the gut, our bodies are not able to absorb the nutrients given to us from healthy foods. Gut inflammation, also known as leaky gut or intestinal permeability, has many causes such as in adequate protective nutrients in the diet, food sensitivities, IBS/ small intestine bacterial overgrowth, and Celiac disease. Thus, nutrient deficiency can be both a cause and a consequence of gut inflammation.

Next, I consider symptoms as there are a lot of common symptoms that may occur when dealing with a vitamin or nutrient deficiency such as low energy, foggy minds, digestive issues, and even hair loss! One of the best ways to find out exactly what type of deficiency you are dealing with, so I often recommend my patients get tested through both conventional and sometimes specialty tests. With these tests, we are able to look further into the clinical history and physical signs to see exactly which vitamins or nutrients you need more (or less of) optimize your health. 

Additionally, the body talks and often gives us clues as to what nutrient deficiencies might be present, so my intake questions include a head to toe health or a review of symptoms helps to give clues about any possible deficiencies. The concept of a “nutritional physical” is one that I was trained in from one of my dear colleagues, Dr. Russel Marz. For example, hair loss can be a sign of iron deficiency or thyroid imbalance; dry skin can be a sign of thyroid imbalance and essential fatty acid deficiency; and nail weakness can be a sign of calcium, iron, B-vitamin, and/ or essential fatty acids deficiency. However, once we identify a deficiency, our bodies have already entered a depleted state from them. So by taking control of our lifestyles and habits early on, we can create a supportive lifestyle with a diverse and nutrient-rich diet and also help optimize absorption of these nutrients to prevent and reduce risks of deficiencies.

One extremely common deficiency that I work with is vitamin D deficiency. One way to avoid deficiency is through sun exposure, as the sun helps facilitate our skin making vitamin D. Although getting outside an hour a day won’t always cure you of your deficiency since sometimes the deficiency is related to your genetics, it’s a great way to start getting your body to manufacture vitamin D3 – the active form of vitamin D. I take into account all aspects of a patient's lifestyle and also consider and help evaluate genetic factors, such as methylation, that can be the culprit of some nutrient deficiencies. Further, vitamin D supplementation causes the intestines to absorb calcium, but calcium needs the help of vitamin K to be absorbed into the bones, rather than deposited into other areas of the body, so with higher doses of vitamin D supplementation vitamin K supplementation might also be considered. In other words, considering which vitamins might help or hinder the absorption of others is important and something I consider when helping to develop a nutritional plan with my patients. 

In conclusion, there are so many great supplements that can be utilized for deficiencies, but it can be helpful to get tested and know what your specific needs are before starting on a regimen. Especially amid the pandemic and people not getting as much vitamin D intake as before, I am seeing higher doses of vitamin D supplements being taken which could, in some rare cases, cause vitamin D toxicity - which I never used to see clinically, but I have seen this several times in the past few years. Even apart from toxicity, high levels of vitamin D can contribute to an over-calcification of the body that is not ideal for vascular, heart, cognitive, and kidney health. So if you think that supplementation is your best bet over proper nutrition, please work with a provider such as myself who is trained in nutrition. My practice and approach is 100% holistic for your benefit and care. I always make sure that the supplements and treatments options I prescribe are unique to you and your specific body’s needs.