Micro Nutrients Vitamins

Vitamin D

Prevalence: >90% below optimal 30 ng/mL; 41.6% below 20 ng/mL.
At-Risk Groups: Darker-skinned individuals (82% of non-Hispanic Blacks), elderly, those with limited sun exposure.
Health Impacts: Osteoporosis, rickets, weakened immunity, mood disorders.
Cause: Low sun exposure, limited dietary sources (fish, fortified foods), obesity.
 

 

Vitamin C

Prevalence: ~6% deficient (<11.4 µmol/L); 13% among smokers.
At-Risk Groups: Smokers, low-income groups, those with low fruit/vegetable intake.
Health Impacts: Scurvy (fatigue, bleeding gums), poor wound healing, weakened immunity.
Cause: Low intake of fruits/vegetables, smoking increasing needs.
 

 

Vitamin B12

Prevalence: ~6% of adults under 60, 20% over 60.
At-Risk Groups: Elderly, vegans, those with pernicious anemia or gastrointestinal issues.
Health Impacts: Anemia, neurological damage (tingling, memory loss), fatigue.
Cause: Low intake of animal products, absorption issues (e.g., lack of intrinsic factor).

 

 

Vitamin A

Prevalence: ~2% of children/adults; higher in low-income groups.
At-Risk Groups: Low-income individuals, children, those with fat malabsorption.
Health Impacts: Night blindness, impaired immunity, skin issues.
Cause: Low intake of liver, colorful produce; malabsorption.
 

Vitamin K

Prevalence: Subclinical deficiency common; exact rates unclear (~10-20% estimated).
At-Risk Groups: Those with low green vegetable intake, malabsorption conditions.
Health Impacts: Poor blood clotting, bone weakness, increased cardiovascular risk.
Cause: Low intake of leafy greens, fermented foods; antibiotic use disrupting gut bacteria.
 

Vitamin E

Prevalence: ~0.5% deficient; subclinical deficiency more common (~10%).
At-Risk Groups: Those with fat malabsorption (e.g., celiac disease, cystic fibrosis).
Health Impacts: Nerve damage, muscle weakness, impaired immunity.
Cause: Low intake of nuts, seeds, vegetable oils; malabsorption.
 

Vitamin B1 (Thiamine)

Prevalence: Rare; ~5% of alcoholics or those with poor diets may be deficient.
At-Risk Groups: Alcoholics, elderly, those with high refined carb diets.
Health Impacts: Beriberi (fatigue, nerve damage), Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (in alcoholics).
Cause: Low intake of whole grains, pork; alcohol impairing absorption.
 

Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin)

Prevalence: ~3% deficient; higher in children and adolescents (~10%).
At-Risk Groups: Children, adolescents, non-dairy consumers.
Health Impacts: Cracked lips, sore throat, skin issues, anemia.
Cause: Low intake of dairy, eggs, leafy greens.
 

Vitamin B3 (Niacin)

Prevalence: Rare; <1% deficient due to fortification.
At-Risk Groups: Alcoholics, those with corn-heavy diets (without nixtamalization).
Health Impacts: Pellagra (diarrhea, dermatitis, dementia).
Cause: Low intake of meat, fortified grains; tryptophan deficiency.
 

Vitamin B5 (Pantothenic Acid)

Prevalence: Extremely rare; <1%.
At-Risk Groups: Those with severe malnutrition.
Health Impacts: Fatigue, neurological symptoms (severe cases).
Cause: Found in most foods; deficiency only in extreme starvation.
 

Vitamin B6 (Pyridoxine)

Prevalence: ~11% of adults below EAR; higher in elderly (~20%).
At-Risk Groups: Elderly, those with kidney disease, alcohol dependency.
Health Impacts: Anemia, dermatitis, neurological issues (tingling, depression).
Cause: Low intake of meat, whole grains; alcohol impairing metabolism.
 

Vitamin B7 (Biotin)

Prevalence: Rare; <1%; higher in those with malabsorption or excessive raw egg white consumption.
At-Risk Groups: Those with malabsorption, long-term antibiotic use.
Health Impacts: Hair loss, skin rash, neurological symptoms.
Cause: Low intake of eggs, nuts; raw egg whites (avidin binds biotin).
 

Vitamin B9 (Folate)

Prevalence: ~1% deficient post-fortification; higher in women of childbearing age (~5% with low levels).
At-Risk Groups: Women of childbearing age, those with malabsorption.
Health Impacts: Neural tube defects (pregnancy), anemia, poor cell division.
Cause: Low intake of leafy greens, fortified grains; malabsorption.