Mineral Deficiency: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Mineral deficiency is the lack of iron, fluorine and other minerals. It is usually harmless, but can also lead to various ailments if not corrected.

What is mineral deficiency?

Mineral deficiency refers to the lack of essential minerals. These include iron, iodine, fluoride, zinc, chromium, copper and molybdenum. They are needed by the organism to ensure important functions such as muscle growth and the ability to think. They also control various processes in the human body. A deficiency is accordingly very dangerous and can lead to a wide variety of secondary diseases such as soft bones, cellulite and hair loss. Mental illnesses such as depression and a strong malaise can also be the result of mineral deficiency.

Causes

Mineral deficiency has many causes. For example, it is often caused by a wrong and unbalanced diet or one-sided diets. Consumption of convenience foods is a common cause, as they contain hardly any minerals and nutrients. Heavy sweating can also cause the discomfort. So can diarrhea and vomiting, anorexia or abuse of laxatives. Furthermore, mineral deficiency is often a result of alcoholism. This is because alcohol slows down the absorption of electrolytes, causing a deficiency sooner or later. A clear sign is the nightly calf cramp. Lastly, mineral deficiency can also be caused by excessive intake of diuretics, as important minerals are excreted with the urine. In addition to these causes, there are a number of diseases that can cause a mineral deficiency. These include, first and foremost, diabetes and various kidney diseases. Disorders of the hormonal balance bring the production of minerals out of balance and also cause a deficiency.

Symptoms, complaints and signs

Mineral deficiency can show up in a variety of symptoms. It depends on which mineral is not at physiological levels and how severe the deficiency is. Because minerals have different functions in the body, the symptoms of mineral deficiency are also different. Some typical deficiency symptoms are shown below as examples. Classic symptoms of magnesium deficiency are disturbances in muscle and nerve function. These range from nocturnal calf cramps, palpitations and cardiac arrhythmias to restlessness, nervousness and anxiety attacks. The performance of affected individuals is thus frequently located in both the physical and the psychological spheres. Like magnesium, potassium also has an important influence on cardiac activity. A deficiency can also trigger an accelerated heartbeat or heart stuttering. In addition, cramps and paralysis, circulatory problems or a tingling sensation in certain areas of the body are also possible signs of a potassium deficiency. In the area of digestion, this can also cause constipation in particular. Iron deficiency is also common in the population and leads to classic symptoms. A leading symptom in this context is a conspicuous pallor, which is often a sign of significant anemia. Other signs of iron deficiency are fatigue and loss of performance. Chills, headaches and shortness of breath are also typical symptoms of iron deficiency. In the cardiovascular system, dizziness and palpitations are possible consequences of iron deficiency.

Diagnosis and course

A mineral deficiency can be diagnosed on the basis of a wide variety of symptoms. These include, for example, a reduced performance capacity that is accompanied by concentration problems. Sleep disturbances can also occur and exacerbate the complaints. Skin and mucous membrane changes can also occur. Caries is caused by a lack of iron, and digestive disorders are also a cause of mineral deficiency. In the case of a prolonged deficiency, nerve and muscle damage as well as coagulation disorders can develop. Likewise anemia and pathological changes in the mucous membrane. The appearance of the skin itself can also change and, for example, dry out. In addition, each mineral fulfills very specific tasks and can accordingly cause a wide variety of complaints. Iodine deficiency is particularly risky and can be recognized in children by growth disorders. In order to make an accurate diagnosis, the doctor first takes a medical history with the patient. This can be followed by physical examinations.The blood count may also be examined. The dentition and skin are also examined. Normally, the diagnosis can be made quickly and treatment of the mineral deficiency can be initiated. The course of a mineral deficiency is usually harmless. Normally, mild symptoms such as cramps in the legs or low spirits disappear again after the supply of the appropriate minerals. However, if too few minerals are taken over a longer period of time, this can have serious consequences. In addition to the aforementioned secondary diseases such as caries and cellulite, a deficiency can also have fatal consequences. Important salts in particular, such as sodium, should therefore be taken directly with food or in the form of dietary supplements. Special drinks with electrolytes and other minerals are also useful.

Complications

As a rule, the further course in the case of a mineral deficiency depends very much on the cause and the particular mineral in which the deficiency is present. For this reason, no general prediction can be made. However, mineral deficiency always has a negative effect on the health of the patient and should therefore always be avoided. Complications usually occur with mineral deficiency only when it is prevalent or severe over a long period of time. Those affected may suffer from headaches or sleep disorders. Likewise, it is not uncommon for digestive disorders to occur and, furthermore, for coordination and concentration disorders to occur. The quality of life is significantly reduced by the mineral deficiency. Those affected appear tired and listless, and the patient’s ability to cope with stress is greatly reduced. In some cases, the mineral deficiency can also lead to anemia, which also has a very negative effect on the daily life of the affected person. In children, this deficiency can lead to growth disorders and thus to impaired development. As a rule, the mineral deficiency can be remedied relatively easily so that no further complications arise. In the case of caries, this must be treated by a dentist.

When should you go to the doctor?

Whether to go to the doctor in case of mineral deficiency depends essentially on its severity and the resulting symptoms. Nevertheless, the visit is useful right away when a deficiency is suspected. This is because many diseases have similar manifestations to the mineral deficiency, so that differentiation by the medical professional is advisable. For example, an iron deficiency can cause the same listlessness that a severe infection causes. Potassium deficiency can cause palpitations and heart palpitations, which can also indicate panic attacks or heart disease. An exact clarification is therefore important in order to precisely work out the cause of a complaint and to be able to specifically compensate for a mineral deficiency at an early stage. Later, after diagnosis, there are two main reasons for visiting the doctor. If a serious mineral deficiency is compensated by therapy, the success of the treatment should be checked. Diagnostics, for example, of iron values (ferritin, hemoglobin) can give a statement if a substitution with minerals can be stopped. Another point for visiting the doctor is the patient’s doubt whether mineral supplements are really stored in the body. Intestinal diseases, for example, can make it much more difficult for the minerals to be absorbed. Therefore, if the patient’s symptoms do not improve or even worsen with mineral administration, this is a reason for another visit to the doctor.

Treatment and therapy

The therapy of mineral deficiency is primarily based on supplying the missing minerals. If there is a deficiency of fluorine, appropriate tablets or other preparations can be administered just as in the case of an iodine or iron deficiency. If the symptoms are only minor, it is often sufficient to balance the mineral balance by eating the appropriate foods. However, if damage has already occurred, further measures must be taken. For example, caries caused by a fluorine deficiency must be treated by a dentist, while damaged skin should be examined by a dermatologist. If psychological problems have already arisen as a result of the deficiency, a psychiatrist may need to be consulted. In many cases it is sufficient to change the diet. Raw food is an important factor to compensate a deficiency of minerals and to reduce psychological as well as physical complaints.

Outlook and prognosis

The prognosis for mineral deficiency depends on the minerals that are missing as well as the duration of the deficiency condition. For all forms of mineral deficiency, no lasting health problems are expected if they are corrected quickly. The human body can cope well with a temporary deficiency of certain substances, such as iron, magnesium or sodium. It becomes problematic if the mineral deficiency has existed for a long time and has already damaged the organism. Again, if treated, there is a good prognosis, but organ and nerve damage can be permanent. Thyroid problems resulting from iodine deficiency are somewhat more difficult to treat and may result in long-lasting damage due to hormonal changes. In contrast, other conditions triggered by mineral deficiency, such as anemia, skin problems, and lack of concentration, are repairable. Thus, the prognosis is usually very good for mineral deficiency. In countries with good medical care and a wide range of food, the diagnosis of a mineral deficiency is therefore already the first step towards recovery. The prospect of overcoming the deficiency condition is poor only if the required minerals are not available. Also, a metabolic condition, such as one that prevents or impedes the absorption of certain substances, can worsen the prognosis.

Prevention

Mineral deficiencies can be prevented by making sure to take all the essential minerals. Healthy people already achieve this by eating a balanced diet based on the food pyramid. People who suffer from alcoholism may need intravenous treatment to prevent a deficiency. In addition, they should be in consultation with a physician who monitors mineral balance and intervenes directly at the first signs of a deficiency. The same applies to people suffering from diabetes or emesis. Athletes who sweat a lot should adjust their diet to the higher nutrient consumption and possibly take dietary supplements. This should also be done in consultation with a specialist. Mineral deficiencies can therefore be effectively prevented by a balanced diet.

Aftercare

Aftercare aims to prevent the recurrence of mineral deficiency. This is usually the responsibility of the patient after a successful initial therapy. He chooses an appropriate diet. Fish, meat, poultry and nuts are best suited to cover the requirements. But vitamins are also a must in the diet. Several servings of fruits and vegetables should be consumed daily. A mineral deficiency due to an unbalanced diet, surgery, pregnancy or competitive sports can be countered with the measures listed. A doctor diagnoses mineral deficiencies via blood tests. In addition, the typical complaints provide an indication. Longer follow-up care is usually necessary if a gastrointestinal disease or a tumor causes the deficiency. Substitute preparations are to be taken as prescribed. Regular blood tests follow. Complications cannot be prevented. The timing of diagnosis is crucial to the success of treatment. The earlier the deficiency is detected, the better the prognosis. Therefore, individuals should definitely consult a doctor in case of persistent fatigue, constant headaches and permanent difficulty concentrating. This is especially true for patients who have been previously affected by mineral deficiency.

What you can do yourself

If a mineral deficiency is suspected, the first step should be to talk to your family doctor. The medical professional will primarily recommend a change in diet. A healthy and balanced diet with plenty of fruit, vegetables, whole grain products and fish or lean meat is usually sufficient to quickly restore all the necessary minerals to the body. Regular exercise and sufficient sleep support the diet and strengthen the immune system. If the mineral deficiency has already caused damage, further measures must be taken. For example, in the case of caries, a dentist should be consulted, while damaged skin is best examined by a dermatologist. As self-help, it is advisable to counteract the symptoms with hygiene measures and a healthy lifestyle. Sometimes home remedies also help. For example, a classic cucumber mask can help with skin problems. For tooth decay, cloves or turmeric can be tried.Psychological complaints are best worked through by coping strategies and discussions with a therapist. Occasionally, time off from work or contact with new people already helps. For stress and anxiety, valerian, lavender, sage and other natural remedies are useful.