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How to check vitamin deficiency?
According to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report, 10% of Americans are deficient in at least one nutrient – are you one of them? Research has found that over 70% of Americans aren’t eating the recommended amount of fruit or vegetables, which are key suppliers of important micronutrients (vitamins and minerals).
Because vitamin deficiencies can have serious side effects or increase your risk of medical conditions, it’s important to know if you’re lacking any nutrients. At IV Vitamin Therapy’s Beverly Hills clinic, we have a comprehensive on-site lab. Our registered nurses can perform blood tests to check vitamin blood levels, then our licensed doctor crafts your custom vitamin IV cocktail.
What causes vitamin deficiencies?
In addition to a poor diet, medical conditions or long-term diseases can drain your body of necessary nutrients. Many people also experience vitamin malabsorption syndrome. Enzymes from the stomach, liver, and pancreas are responsible for breaking down food and nutrients as they pass through the digestive system, the nutritional content of the digesting food is then absorbed by the small intestine. Some of the conditions that can hinder vitamin absorption include:
- Crohn’s disease
- liver disease
- celiac disease
- pancreatic insufficiency
- inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Many people who’ve had gastric bypass surgery also suffer from vitamin deficiency because their digestive tract now bypasses much of the stomach and small intestine.
People with these malabsorption conditions don’t receive adequate nutrition from their diet or oral multivitamins because their digestive system doesn’t absorb nutrients properly. Luckily, there is a way to introduce vitamins to the body without passing through the digestive system – IV drip therapy.
Vegetarian vitamin deficiency
Vegans and vegetarians are at slightly higher risk of certain vitamin deficiencies. Vitamin B12 is a critical vitamin that is found in meat and dairy products. The best sources of vitamin D3 (the more easily-absorbable version of vitamin D) are egg yolk and fatty fish.
Other important nutrients – such as taurine, heme iron, and creatine – are also found only in meat and animal products. Vegans and vegetarians need to be extra sure they’re getting enough vitamin supplementation to make up for their diet.
What are the signs of vitamin deficiency?
Because each vitamin and mineral plays a different role in your body, different deficiencies will have different symptoms. We’ll go over some of the most common vitamin deficiencies and symptoms here, but for in-depth information on recommended levels of vitamin intake, see the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Dietary Supplements fact sheet.
Vitamin A deficiency symptoms
It’s rare to be deficient in vitamin A as it can be found in fortified cereals and milks, leafy greens, fruits, carrots, and egg yolk. Because vitamin A is important for eye health, vitamin A deficiency can result in night blindness.
B vitamin deficiency
B vitamins are important in almost every function of the human body. Vitamin B deficiency symptoms will depend on which B vitamin you’re deficient in. Most breakfast cereals and breads are fortified with vitamin B, but deficiencies do still occur.
Vitamin B6 deficiency
Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) converts food into energy and supports the immune system. Low levels of vitamin B6 can result in depression, fatigue, and anemia (insufficient red blood cells).
Vitamin B9 deficiency
Known as folate or folic acid, vitamin B9 is essential for pregnant women to prevent birth defects. Folate deficiency can contribute to megaloblastic anemia (red blood cells that are too large and poorly formed).
Vitamin B12 deficiency symptoms
According to the NIH, vitamin B12 deficiency affects between 3% and 43% of older adults. The major symptom of a deficiency is vitamin B12 deficiency anemia. B12 is also used in the nervous system, so symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency include:
- hand and feet numbness or tingling
- dementia and confusion
- paranoia
- depression
- behavior changes
- balance problems
People with pernicious anemia can’t make the “intrinsic factor” (a stomach protein) required for absorbing B12 from food and B12 supplements. Fortunately, a B12 IV drip bypasses the stomach and eliminates the need for the stomach protein.
Vitamin C deficiency
Scurvy – the scourge of pirates of sailors – is actually just severe vitamin C deficiency. Vitamin C deficiency symptoms include fatigue, depression, impaired wound healing, unintentional weight loss, and gingivitis. The most common causes of vitamin C deficiency are alcoholism, smoking, poor diet, and dialysis.
Vitamin D deficiency
The most common vitamin D deficiency cause is insufficient sun exposure; sunlight triggers our bodies to create vitamin D. While vitamin D can be found in dairy products and fish, the primary source of vitamin D is the sun. Many of us work inside all day and don’t get enough vitamin D through sunshine alone. In the winter, many people are at increased risk of low vitamin D. Because sufficient levels of vitamin D are required for optimal calcium absorption, vitamin D deficiency is dangerous on two fronts.
Common vitamin D deficiency symptoms include:
- Muscle weakness and pain
- Depression or low mood
- Osteomalacia, osteoporosis, and rickets
- Bone pain
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is an antioxidant and helps support the immune system. Low levels of vitamin E can result in nerve and muscle damage. Symptoms include muscle weakness, loss of feeling in arms and legs, and impaired coordination.
Vitamin K deficiency symptoms
Vitamin K is important for blood coagulation, so a deficiency can cause bleeding, hemorrhaging, bruising, and bloody stool or urine. Blood in urine or stool is always a sign of a serious medical problem, so consult a health care professional if you’re experiencing these symptoms.
Mineral deficiencies
Iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, and other minerals also serve important roles throughout the body. Iron deficiency causes anemia; calcium is needed for strong, healthy bones, low calcium is also a risk factor for arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat); magnesium supports bone health, muscle function, and energy; and potassium ensures muscles and nerves function properly.
A deficiency in any of these minerals can cause fatigue and muscle weakness.
What is IV vitamin therapy?
IV (intravenous) drips are the fastest and most efficient way to increase vitamin levels in the blood. The procedure is practically painless, just one needle prick, and the vitamins and IV hydration are free to flow into your bloodstream.
Because IV infusion doesn’t include your digestive system, it bypasses any absorption problems and ensures the vitamins reach your body at full potency. Dietary supplements get broken down by stomach and liver enzymes, meaning only a fraction of the nutrients actually get used by your cells and organs.
Each IV cocktail is custom-crafted from the highest quality ingredients to suit your health goals and your body’s nutritional needs.
If you’re on medication or undergoing any medical treatments, consult with your healthcare provider before beginning any supplementation.
Why choose IV Vitamin Therapy for your vitamin deficiency treatment?
IV Vitamin Therapy is in an upscale boutique-style medical office in Beverly Hills with plenty of available street parking. After consulting with a physician, you will be prescribed a single nutrient or a nutrient cocktail, depending on your health history and goals.
IV Vitamin Therapy offers IV treatments as well as injections. Our offices are modern, comfortable environments and the perfect place to receive IV vitamin therapy. We also offer a concierge house call service for patients who would prefer to receive IV vitamin therapy in the comfort of their own home or office.
No matter where your therapy session takes place, sessions can be expected to last anywhere from 20 to 30 minutes, and patients receiving an IV injection are awake and aware the entire time. Many patients choose to use this time to catch up on work via phone or laptop, or simply to relax with a book or watch some television. IV Vitamin Therapy is a professional medical provider with an experienced and helpful staff.
The nutrients that we offer by IV drip are made from some of the finest medical-grade ingredients available.
Vitamin IV drip near me
We serve patients near Beverly Hills, Bel Air, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, Culver City, Hollywood, Venice, Marina del Rey, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Downtown Los Angeles, Encino, Woodland Hills, Sherman Oaks, Calabasas, Burbank, Glendale, Hidden Hills, Agoura Hills, Northridge, North Hollywood, Topanga, Canoga Park, Reseda, Valley Glen, Chatsworth, West Hills, Winnetka, Universal City, Silverlake, Echo Park, and many more.
Book now at 855-999-5577.
