Mild form of vitamin deficiency may remain asymptomatic or have non-specific symptoms like malaise, lethargy, loss of appetite, poor weight gain and tachypnea. Many of them may present with increased history of infections like diarrhea. Specific symptoms of deficiency depend on the type of vitamin.

• Vitmain A – nyctalopia, bitot spots, dry skin, dry hair, brittle finger nails, corneal perforation and xerophthalmia
• Vitamin B1 – neurologic symptoms like poor memory, Korsakoff syndrome, muscle cramps, muscle atrophy, paresthesia, and cardiovascular symptoms like tachycardia, chest pain, hypotension, and shock. 
• Vitamin B 12 – neuropathy and myelopathy resulting in impaired vibration sense, ataxia and paresthesia, depression, paranoid psychosis, optic atrophy, nystagmus, and chiasmatic lesion.
• Vitamin C – Irritability, pain and tenderness in legs, pseudoparalysis, hemorrhage, jaundice, shortness of breath, bone pain and scurvy. 
• Vitamin D – bowing of legs in children, periosteal bone pain and osteomalacia in adults.
• Vitamin E – hyporeflexia, limb ataxia, muscle weakness, dissociated nystagmus, areflexia, dysphagia, and dysarthria. 
• Vitamin K – ecchymosis, petechiae, hematomas, and bleeding at the site of puncture or surgery. 

• Fishing

  Top dietary sources of B1 include pork, fish, beans, lentils, nuts, rice, and wheat germ. [mdedge.com]

  […] cereals and breads Maturation of RBCs Synthesis of purines, pyrimidines, and methionine Development of fetal nervous system Deficiency: Megaloblastic anemia, neural tube birth defects, confusion Niacin (nicotinic acid, nicotinamide) Liver, red meat, fish [merckmanuals.com]

  This is likely if you follow a strict vegan diet, because most of the natural sources are animal-based, including fish and fish oils, egg yolks, fortified milk, and beef liver. Your exposure to sunlight is limited. [webmd.com]

  Those that do include fatty fish such as salmon, mackerel, and herring and fish oils such as cod liver oil. [diabeteshealth.com]

  Unfortunately, the conversion rate is very low, so if you don't eat fish, it's wise to consider a supplement. [betternutrition.com]

• Weakness

  The problems come when that weakness or lack of energy lasts for weeks or gets worse. Fatigue isn’t something that you should ignore. [steptohealth.com]

  Vitamin B12 deficiency can also cause nerves to malfunction, causing tingling, loss of sensation, and muscle weakness. Severe vitamin B12 deficiency may cause confusion. [msdmanuals.com]

  A lack of thiamin is called beriberi and can cause weakness, fatigue, psychosis and nerve damage. [huel.com]

  Deficiency of this vitamin results in ataxia, hyporeflexia, and muscle weakness. Having a well-balanced diet is the most important preventive measure for vitamin deficiency. [symptoma.com]

  Weak muscles This Vitamin plays a role in the functioning of the muscles. A deficiency can cause weak muscles. [dokteronline.com]

• Anemia

  BACKGROUND: Anemia is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in many chronic diseases. Little is known about anemia in cystic fibrosis (CF). [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Symptoms of anemia due to vitamin B12 deficiency or folate deficiency develop slowly and are similar to symptoms caused by other types of anemia, such as fatigue, weakness, and paleness. [msdmanuals.com]

  Causes of vitamin deficiency anemias, also known as megaloblastic anemias, include: Folate deficiency anemia. Folate, also known as vitamin B-9, is a nutrient found mainly in fruits and leafy green vegetables. [mayoclinic.org]

  When this happens, low levels of intrinsic factor produce symptoms of juvenile pernicious anemia in patients younger than age 10. [drugs.com]

• Fatigue

  Fatigue isn’t something that you should ignore. [steptohealth.com]

  For more information on how to reduce fatigue, consider reading about the 11 best vitamins and supplements to boost energy. Summary Excessive fatigue and tiredness may be a sign of vitamin D deficiency. [healthline.com]

  Thyroid disease resulting from low levels of iodine — which can lead to hypothyroidism — can cause fatigue, weight gain and brittle nails as well as puffy eyes. [news.com.au]

  Fatigue - Early on, someone with a vitamin C deficiency will tend to get tired easily and experience reduced energy. Because chronic fatigue is a symptom of so many illnesses, it can be hard to catch a specific condition based on this symptom. [fitday.com]

  A 2006 study discovered a connection between iodine intake and thyroid disease — a condition that can lead to fatigue, exhaustion, and puffy eyes, among many others. [medicaldaily.com]

• Malnutrition

  CONCLUSIONS: This is the first prospective cohort to investigate malnutrition after RYGB in nonseverely obese patients. [ncbi.nlm.nih.gov]

  Deficiency of vitamin a due to malnutrition, malabsorption, or dietary lack. It is manifested with reduced night vision, night blindness, and xerophthalmia. [icd9data.com]

• Diarrhea

  Many of them may present with increased history of infections like diarrhea. Specific symptoms of deficiency depend on the type of vitamin. [symptoma.com]

  Taking high doses of phosphorus supplements for a short time can cause diarrhea or stomach pain. [huel.com]

  Plus Illness A child's weakened immune system is more susceptible to infectious diseases like measles and diarrhea. [vitaminangels.org]

  This increases the chance of death from malaria, measles and diarrhea. Who is at risk for vitamin A deficiency? Vitamin A deficiency is a big problem in developing nations in Africa and Southeast Asia. [aao.org]

  and it is used in laxatives Loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, confusion, tremors, loss of coordination, and occasionally fatal convulsions Sometimes associated with calcium and potassium deficiencies at the same time Marginal deficiency [iceberglabs.net]

• Nausea

  Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy About half of all women experience nausea and vomiting in the first few months of pregnancy, and about 50%–80% experience nausea only [ 27, 28 ]. [ods.od.nih.gov]

  Too much can cause constipation, nausea, vomiting and stomach pain. [huel.com]

  The main consequence of vitamin D toxicity is a buildup of calcium in your blood (hypercalcemia), which can cause nausea and vomiting, weakness, and frequent urination. [mayoclinic.org]

  Vitamin C supplements are generally not known to have side effects, although at extremely high levels, they can cause nausea or indigestion. [fitday.com]

  […] loss; nosebleeds; bruising; painful or swollen joints; shortness of breath; increased susceptibility to infection; slow wound healing; muscle pains; skin rashes) Thiamin (vitamin B1) Poor appetite; unintended weight loss; upset stomach; gastric upset (nausea [dummies.com]

• Abdominal Pain

  Acute toxicity causes rash, abdominal pain, increased intracranial pressure, and vomiting. [merckmanuals.com]

  pain, diarrhea, or constipation Top Mineral Health Benefit Claims Support for Claims Deficiency Toxicity Magnesium Activates nearly 100 enzymes; helps nerves and muscles function; necessary for every major biological process (e.g., glucose metabolism [iceberglabs.net]

  Gastrointestinal symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include abdominal pain and weight loss as well as neurologic symptoms including sensory and motor neuropathy, seizure, depression and dementia. 17 Cutaneous manifestations of vitamin B12 deficiency include [podiatrytoday.com]

  These adverse effects can include hypotension severe enough to increase the risk of falls; fatigue; impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance; gastrointestinal effects, such as nausea, heartburn, and abdominal pain; and ocular effects, such as [ods.od.nih.gov]

  Symptoms associated with thiamin-induced anaphylaxis include anxiety, pruritus, respiratory distress, nausea, abdominal pain, and shock, sometimes progressing to death (Laws, 1941; Leitner, 1943; Reingold and Webb, 1946; Schiff, 1941; Stein and Morgenstern [nap.edu]

• Failure to Thrive

  Complications can include: Excessively high calcium level Failure to thrive (in infants) Kidney damage due to high calcium Liver damage Taking too much vitamin A during pregnancy may cause abnormal development in the growing baby. [medlineplus.gov]

  In children, toxicity can cause pruritus, anorexia, and failure to thrive. Hepatomegaly and splenomegaly may occur. In carotenosis, the skin (but not the sclera) becomes deep yellow, especially on the palms and soles. [merckmanuals.com]

  During infancy, signs of a vitamin B12 deficiency include failure to thrive, movement disorders, developmental delays, and megaloblastic anemia [ 33 ]. [ods.od.nih.gov]

• Intestinal Disease

  This may be due to surgery to your stomach or small intestine (such as gastric bypass surgery), abnormal bacterial growth in your small intestine, or an intestinal disease, such as Crohn's disease or celiac disease, that interferes with absorption of [mayoclinic.org]

  Groen, Juda: The Absorption of Glucose from the Small Intestine in Deficiency Diseases. New England J. Med., 218:247–253, Feb. 10, 1938. CrossRef Google Scholar 39. Cowgill, G. R.: Human Requirements for Vitamin B 1. J. A. M. [link.springer.com]

• Cracked Lips

  lips, sore tongue and mouth, burning eyes; skin rashes; anemia Niacin Pellagra (diarrhea; inflamed skin and mucous membranes; mental confusion and/or dementia) Vitamin B6 Anemia; convulsions similar to epileptic seizures; skin rashes; upset stomach; [dummies.com]

  Many of us suffer from bad breath, cracked lips and agonising headaches. But they could all be a sign of something much more sinister. [dailymail.co.uk]

  The symptoms are cracked lips, swelling of the throat, bloodshot eyes, bright pink tongue and low red blood cell count. [stylecraze.com]

  B6, folate, and glutathione synthesis 10% to 27% of older adults Fatigue, cracked lips, sore throat, bloodshot eyes Older adults, low intake of animal and dairy products, heavy alcohol use Dairy, meat and fish, eggs, mushrooms, almonds, leafy greens, [mdedge.com]

  It causes distinctive bright pink tongues, although other symptoms are cracked lips, throat swelling, bloodshot eyes, and low red blood cell count. Ultimately it can cause comas and death. [listverse.com]

• Osteoporosis

  Did you know Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis and autism? And that’s just for starters. [mercola.com]

  Osteoporosis also results in weakening of the bones and can lead to fractures. People with celiac disease are at high risk for osteoporosis. [verywell.com]

  National Osteoporosis Foundation. http://www.nof.org/prevention/ vitaminD.htm. Accessed July 22, 2010. 12. Vitamin D and related compounds (oral route, parenteral route). MayoClinic.com. [uspharmacist.com]

  Osteoporosis Together with calcium, vitamin D ensures strong teeth and bones and stimulates the conversion of calcium in bone tissue. [dokteronline.com]

  People who have had gastric bypass surgery People with osteoporosis People with chronic kidney or liver disease. [medlineplus.gov]

• Blurred Vision

  Symptoms may include: Abnormal softening of the skull bone (in infants and children) Blurred vision Bone pain or swelling Bulging of the soft spot in an infant's skull ( fontanelle ) Changes in alertness or consciousness Decreased appetite Dizziness Double [medlineplus.gov]

  Vitamin E deficiency can sometimes also result in blurred vision and difficulty seeing at night. 11. Fertility Problems: Vitamin E maintains the health of the reproductive system. [stylecraze.com]

  Health Benefits, Deficiency, and Toxicity of Vitamin Dietary Supplement Product Vitamin Health Benefit Deficiency Toxicity Fat-Soluble Vitamins Vitamin A (beta-carotene or retinol) Maintenance of normal vision and night vision Essential for immune system [iceberglabs.net]

  Niacin treatment may produce significant ocular effects, including blurred vision, toxic amblyopia, macular edema, Suggested Citation: "6 Niacin." Institute of Medicine. 1998. [nap.edu]

• Visual Impairment

  For children, lack of vitamin A causes severe visual impairment and blindness, and significantly increases the risk of severe illness, and even death, from such common childhood infections as diarrhoeal disease and measles. [who.int]

  Mutations in TAM receptors can result in visual impairment, defective spermatogenesis, autoimmune disorders, and platelet disorders (16). [lpi.oregonstate.edu]

• Renal Insufficiency

  End-stage renal diseases, chronic renal insufficiency, and other kidney diseases can cause vitamin B6 deficiency [ 3 ]. [ods.od.nih.gov]

• Irritability

  […] caused by a vitamin B12 deficiency, you may have other symptoms, such as: a pale yellow tinge to your skin a sore and red tongue (glossitis) mouth ulcers pins and needles (paraesthesia) changes in the way that you walk and move around disturbed vision irritability [nhs.uk]

  Mood Changes - Individuals with a vitamin C deficiency may become irritable or short tempered. Weight Loss - As with other "wasting conditions" someone with a vitamin C deficiency may experience sudden weight loss. [fitday.com]

  In lay terms, however, the phrase has become a handy explanation for common but hard-to-pin-down symptoms, such as fatigue, irritability, nervousness, emotional depression, allergies, and insomnia. [dummies.com]

  If this condition becomes severe enough, it can trigger migraines, in addition to fatigue, memory loss and irritability. [davidwolfe.com]

• Headache

  Unfortunately, migraine medications tend to only work in 50 percent of people, half the time… They also have intense side effects such as “ medication overuse headache ,” which often occurs when people take too much of a headache drug. [healthy-holistic-living.com]

  Migraine headaches Migraine headaches typically produce intense pulsing or throbbing pain in one area of the head [ 39 ]. [ods.od.nih.gov]

  Many of us suffer from bad breath, cracked lips and agonising headaches. But they could all be a sign of something much more sinister. [dailymail.co.uk]

  Symptoms and Signs Although symptoms of vitamin A toxicity may vary, headache and rash usually develop during acute or chronic toxicity. Acute toxicity causes increased intracranial pressure. [merckmanuals.com]

  General symptoms of anaemia may include: extreme tiredness (fatigue) lack of energy (lethargy) breathlessness feeling faint headaches pale skin noticeable heartbeats (palpitations) hearing sounds coming from inside the body, rather than from an outside [nhs.uk]

• Lethargy

  A condition due to a dietary deficiency of ascorbic acid (vitamin c), characterized by malaise, lethargy, and weakness. As the disease progresses, joints, muscles, and subcutaneous tissues may become the sites of hemorrhage. [icd9data.com]

  Lethargy It may cause you some “vague” symptoms, such as lethargy and a lethargic feeling. It is often difficult to determine the cause. A prolonged deficiency can even lead to depression. [dokteronline.com]

  General symptoms of anaemia may include: extreme tiredness (fatigue) lack of energy (lethargy) breathlessness feeling faint headaches pale skin noticeable heartbeats (palpitations) hearing sounds coming from inside the body, rather than from an outside [nhs.uk]

  Most common symptoms of vitamin deficiency are non-specific like tiredness, poor appetite, and lethargy. [symptoma.com]

  Scurvy is characterized by general malaise and lethargy, progressing on to spotty skin, losing teeth, and bleeding and swollen gums. Slow wound healing and general weakness is also a regular symptom. If left untreated scurvy can be fatal. [noorvitamins.com]

• Dizziness

  *Name changed You feel wobbly or dizzy. Being off-kilter is another common symptom. "I would get dizzy just walking up the stairs," says Mossess. [prevention.com]

  Migraines cause severe recurring and intense throbbing pain, combined with visual disturbances, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, extreme sensitivity to light, sound, touch and smell, and tingling or numbness in the face. [davidwolfe.com]

  Symptoms may include: Abnormal softening of the skull bone (in infants and children) Blurred vision Bone pain or swelling Bulging of the soft spot in an infant's skull ( fontanelle ) Changes in alertness or consciousness Decreased appetite Dizziness Double [medlineplus.gov]

  Symptoms of an iron deficiency (iron-deficient anemia) may include fatigue, weakness and dizziness as well as pale skin and intolerance to cold temperatures (and cold hands and feet). [health.howstuffworks.com]

• Insomnia

  In lay terms, however, the phrase has become a handy explanation for common but hard-to-pin-down symptoms, such as fatigue, irritability, nervousness, emotional depression, allergies, and insomnia. [dummies.com]

  Symptoms of deficiency: digestive upsets, insomnia, headaches, fatigue, sore and swollen tongue (disease is much worse) Symptoms may include itching, skin flushing, and gastrointestinal distress Time-released capsules have caused impaired liver function [iceberglabs.net]

  Dermatitis, anaemia, convulsions, nausea, insomnia, vomiting, mental disorders, depressed appetite. [studyadda.com]

  And although some tragedies may have been prevented by more federal oversight—such as an incident of contaminated L-tryptophan (an amino-acid supplement taken for insomnia) in the late 1980s—most of the harm done has probably been to our pocketbooks. [sciencehistory.org]

The initial test for the diagnosis of suspected vitamin deficiency is serum levels of specific vitamin. Imaging studies are used for evaluating the growth of the bones or for checking excessive deposition of periosteal bone. Urinary excretion of some vitamins, for example thiamine, may be useful. Deficiency may be assessed using radioassay and non-radioisotopic assay as well. Other procedures like dark adaptation test may be adopted for a particular vitamin.

• Macrocytosis

  […] and protein-energy malnutrition. 5 In elderly patients with ineffective erythropoiesis (formation of erythrocytes), it is important for pharmacists to note that microcytosis (low mean corpuscle volume: [MCV]) should suggest sideroblastic anemia, while macrocytosis [uspharmacist.com]

  The expected findings of very low serum cobalamin levels, anemia, and macrocytosis are often lacking. Arch Intern Med 148:1712–1714. Carmel R. 1992. [nap.edu]

  Circulating unbetabolied folic acid and 5-methyltetrahydrofolate in relation to anemia, macrocytosis, and cognitive test performance in American seniors. [ods.od.nih.gov]

Treatment modality depends on the severity of vitamin deficiency. Replenishment of the deficient vitamin is the first step in treatment. In most of the cases restoration of body stores helps to resolve the symptoms. The daily maintenance dose varies with the type of vitamin, age and severity of the condition. Parenteral administration of the vitamin is recommended in severe cases of deficiency. Duration of therapy depends on the symptoms and is usually continued till the symptoms improve. Comorbid conditions, if any, should be identified and treated appropriately. During recovery care should be taken to provide a balanced and liberal diet. Long term supplementation may be needed in some cases. If the deficiency affects gait, balance or functions of any of the organs, physical and occupational therapy may be helpful. Follow-up is very important to confirm that the levels are well within the acceptable range. Most of the cases can be treated on an outpatient basis, unless there is a serious associated condition. Support for cardiac function may be necessary in some cases, particularly wet beriberi. Some patients may need neuropsychological intervention to improve cognition and social functioning.

Timely diagnosis and treatment can help in early recovery. Most of the deficiencies are easily treatable, provided that it is subclinical and has not progressed much. Most of the manifestations resolve considerably when treated appropriately. In vitamin A deficiency, morbidity may increase with infection or when blindness has progressed. Corneal perforation, keratomalacia and punctate keratopathy are irreversible even with standard treatment modalities. Korsakoff syndrome is a poor prognostic factor in thiamine deficiency. Neurologic deficit in vitamin B12 deficiency improves considerably with vitamin B12 therapy. Outcome is generally better in younger patients.

Poverty and food faddism are some of the common causes of vitamin deficiency in developed countries. In developing countries, dietary deficiency and malabsorption are the main causes of vitamin deficiency. Malabsorption is the main cause for the deficiency of fat soluble vitamins [3]. Diseases and conditions may also result in specific vitamin deficiency.
Some of the major etiological factors of vitamin deficiency include:

• Vitamin A – Fat malabsorption, Cystic fibrosis, pancreatic insufficiency, and inflammatory bowel disease may result in vitamin A deficiency. The risk of deficiency of this vitamin is more in vegans, refugees, immigrant population, alcohol dependency, and in children from economically underprivileged population. 
• Vitamin B – Lack of adequate intake and malabsorption are the most common causes of deficiency of vitamin B complex. Celiac disease, enteritis, exudative enteropathy, intestinal resection, atrophic gastritis, pancreatic deficiency, certain medications like proton pump inhibitors and colchicine result in vitamin B12 deficiency. Conditions like hyperthyroidism, severe infection, increased physical exercise, and diets high in carbohydrate or saturated fat, lead to thiamine deficiency [4]. Diarrhea, diuretic therapy, peritoneal dialysis, and hemodialysis increase the rate of thiamine depletion in the body leading to deficiency [5]. 
• Vitamin C – Prolonged deficiency of the vitamin in the diet is the major cause of vitamin C deficiency. Alcoholism, smoking, anorexia nervosa, type I diabetes, Crohn’s disease and overload disorders increase the risk of this vitamin deficiency. 
• Vitamin D – Inadequate exposure to sunlight, malabsorption, and use of certain medications are the major cause of vitamin D deficiency. 
• Vitamin E – Malabsorption, cystic fibrosis, abetalipoproteinemia, cholestatic hepatobiliary disease, and short bowel syndrome may all lead to vitamin E deficiency. 
• Vitamin K – Vitamin K deficiency is caused by chronic illness, malnutrition, alcoholism, multiple surgeries in the abdomen, cholestatic disease, cystic fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease, chronic kidney disease and parenchymal liver disease [6]. 

About 250 million children worldwide are at risk of developing vitamin deficiency. The majority of them are malnourished and develop complications like measles and diarrhea that often lead to death. Vitamin A deficiency is the most common and every year about 500,000 children become blind due to the same. Accurate statistics on the prevalence and incidence of other vitamin deficiencies are not available. Difficulty in estimation may arise due to differences in etiologies and assays. Approximately 3 million people are affected by vitamin B12 deficiency in United States. Prevalence of vitamin C was found to be more among men, particularly those older than 60 years. Prevalence of vitamin C was reported as 8.2% in men and 6% in women [7]. Vitamin D deficiency is more prevalent among elderly and hospitalized patients. About 60% of the patients in nursing homes are reported to have deficiency of vitamin D [8]. Healthy adults also may have vitamin D deficiency. About 10.3% of the general population have this and the prevalence is greater among dark-skinned people. As the production of vitamin D declines with age, elderly population is at a higher risk of this deficiency. Although it may occur at any age, vitamin K deficiency is more common among infants. The prevalence varies according to geographic region in US [9].

Deficiency of vitamins are caused by decreased intake, malabsorption, and increased requirements or due to altered metabolism. In most of the cases, the body stores vitamins to last for some time even when the diet has inadequate amounts when compared to daily requirements. This lasts for few weeks but once this reserve is over the serum levels of the vitamin drops. The concentration of the vitamin in the serum may also be affected by other factors like infection, nutritional status, and presence of other nutrients. When thiamine stores are depleted, it results in weakness, tachycardia and deep tendon reflexes. Vitamin C deficiency affects collagen synthesis leading to poor wound healing. Impaired collagen synthesis results in gum hemorrhage, defective dentine formation, and also loss of teeth. When the circulating level of vitamin D is lower, parathyroid hormone levels increase, resulting in decreased mineralization of bones. Vitamin E plays an important role as antioxidant, and also has an immunomodulator and antiplatelet effect [10]. Deficiency of this vitamin results in ataxia, hyporeflexia, and muscle weakness.

Having a well-balanced diet is the most important preventive measure for vitamin deficiency. Having a variety of foods, like cereals, breads, crackers, vegetables, fruits and fortified foods help to provide the recommended doses of these nutrients. Those who have associated conditions like gastrectomy, pancreatectomy, or atrophic gastritis should undergo periodic testing to check for deficiencies. Vegetarians should supplement the amount of vitamin B12 in their diet as they are at an increased risk of developing deficiency.

Micronutrient deficiencies, including vitamins and mineral deficiencies, are one of the major contributors to the global disease burden [1]. About 2 million people all over the world are considered to be deficient in vitamins and other minerals. The most important nutrients among them are vitamin A, iodine, iron and zinc. Vitamin deficiencies increase the risk of infections and also cause premature death, poor health, blindness, stunted growth, mental retardation, learning disability and low work capacity. It also increases the mortality rate due to associated conditions like measles, malaria, pneumonia and diarrhea. These conditions are some of the leading causes of death in the world [2]. Vitamin deficiencies may also result in overt clinical syndromes like osteomalacia, peripheral neuropathy, night blindness and beriberi.

Vitamin and mineral deficiencies, called as micronutrient deficiencies, are one of the most important cause of diseases and death. Vitamin A, iron, zinc and iodine are the major deficiencies noted worldwide. These deficiencies cause diseases and also increase the risk of blindness, poor health, stunted growth and learning disability. Poverty, malnourishment, and fad diets are the most common causes of vitamin deficiency. It may also be caused by difficulty in absorbing the nutrients due to diseases or conditions. Inadequate exposure to sunlight is the major cause of deficiency of vitamin D. About 250 million children worldwide are at risk of developing different kinds of vitamin deficiency. Many of them develop measles and diarrhea which may lead to death.
In all these cases, the body uses up the vitamin stores when there is inadequate amounts of vitamins in the diet. When the body reserves are over, serum levels drop and start affecting metabolism. It results in signs and symptoms specific of different vitamins. Mild forms may remain asymptomatic for long time. Most common symptoms of vitamin deficiency are non-specific like tiredness, poor appetite, and lethargy. Each vitamin is associated with a specific set of symptoms like

• Vitamin A – night blindness, dry skin and hair, and dry eyes
• Vitamin B – beriberi, anemia, depression and poor memory
• Vitamin C – scurvy
• Vitamin D – bowing of legs in children, osteomalacia in adults
• Vitamin E – muscle weakness, neuromuscular problems, anemia
• Vitamin K – Bleeding at the site of surgery or puncture

Testing the levels of vitamin in the blood is the first way to assess deficiency of vitamin. Imaging techniques may be used to assess damage caused to the internal organs. Treatment suggested depends on the severity of the symptoms. Replenishing the deficient vitamins is the first step in the treatment. The dose and route of administration varies with the type of vitamin and severity of deficiency. Treatment is usually continued till the symptoms resolve. Having a well-balanced diet with lots of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and fortified foods go a long way in preventing and controlling the symptoms of vitamin deficiency. Those who have diseases that increase the risk of vitamin deficiency should monitor the levels to prevent complications. Timely diagnosis and treatment is the most important step in recovery. Most of the deficiencies are easily treatable.

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2. World Health Organization. The World Health Report 2001: Reducing risks, promoting healthy life. Geneva, World Health Organization, 2001.
3. Kuwabara, A., Tanaka, K., Tsugawa, N., Nakase, H., Tsuji, H., Shide, K. et al. (2009) High prevalence of vitamin K and D deficiency and decreased BMD in inflammatory bowel disease. Osteoporos Int 20: 935–942.
4. Sriram K, Manzanares W, Joseph K. Thiamine in nutrition therapy. Nutr Clin Pract. 2012;27(1):41-50.
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6. Ansell JE, Kumar R, Deykin D. The spectrum of vitamin K deficiency. JAMA. Jul 4 1977;238(1):40-42.
7. Hampl JS, Taylor CA, Johnston CS. Vitamin C deficiency and depletion in the United States: the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1988 to 1994. Am J Public Health. May 2004;94(5):870-875.
8. Thomas MK, Lloyd-Jones DM, Thadhani RI, et al. Hypovitaminosis D in medical inpatients. N Engl J Med. Mar 19 1998;338(12):777-783.
9. Shearer MJ. Vitamin K deficiency bleeding (VKDB) in early infancy. Blood Rev. 18 2008; 23(2):49-59.
10. Traber MG, Stevens JF. Vitamins C and E: beneficial effects from a mechanistic perspective. Free Radic Biol Med. 2011;51(5):1000-1013.