Are you sure you’re getting the right vitamins and minerals for proper body functioning? Your body may be signaling that you’re falling way short, listen closely.
The Hidden Hunger
Hidden hunger, or micronutrient deficiencies, occur when the quality of the food we are eating does not allow us to get the vitamins and minerals we need for our bodies to properly function. You might think that this is only a problem of the developing world, but this is also rather prominent in rich countries like the UAE. In fact, deficiencies are so common that they are present in almost 1 out of 3 people. Modern diets simply do not support a healthy lifestyle, especially as they contain an abundance of fast foods, packaged and processed items, and little fruits and vegetables.
Even though vitamins and minerals deficiencies are very common, most of them remain unnoticed. The symptoms are not as obvious and may seem hard to detect. Many people do not recognize them even though they're constantly battling with their consequences.
Symptoms To Look At:
- Cracking or brittle nails for most deficiencies
- Hair fall also for most deficiencies but especially Copper or Zinc
- Dark circles around eyes for Iron, especially if inner corners of skin around eyes are pale
- White spots on fingernails for Calcium
- Cramps for Calcium or Magnesium
- Bleeding gums or oral sores for Vitamin C
- Common deficiencies in the Arab world include calcium, iodine, iron, and zinc as well as vitamin A, vitamin D, and folate.
Everyone can fall victim to micronutrient deficiencies regardless of their age, weight, and health status. However certain groups are particularly more vulnerable and may have increased nutritional needs such as:
- People on restrictive diets including vegetarians and vegans.
- Women, particularly those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, and of childbearing age.
- Young children and older adults.
- People who are on long-term medications.
- People with certain medical conditions.
Vitamins and minerals deficiencies weaken the immune system, slow down physical and intellectual growth, and can lead to serious health problems if left untreated.
A vitamin panel blood test that you can book here on UrbanCircle allows you to check the levels of 9 vitamins and minerals to identify any deficiency that could be behind your symptoms and determine if supplements are needed.
Around 95% of our current users (you know who you are) discovered 2 main vitamin & mineral deficiencies after testing, IRON profile & Vitamin D. Our partners at Valeo are now providing two Valeo Health Coach approved supplements to help improve your levels which in return would better your everyday performance. Ask info@urbancircle.ae for more info!
- Guest Author: Zeinab Jaafar, Clinical Dietitian