What are two main causes of vitamin deficiency?

The main causes of nutritional deficiencies are insufficient food intake, the inability to absorb nutrients, and the consumption of diets that lack some of the essential nutrients. Vitamin-deficiency anemia is a lack of healthy red blood cells caused by lower than usual amounts of vitamin B-12 and folic acid. If you have an underlying health condition that has caused you to vitamin deficiency anemia, you'll need to continue long-term treatment to prevent the deficiency from recurring. Folate, or folic acid, is a B vitamin that is particularly important for women of child-bearing age, so prenatal vitamins often contain a high dose.

Pineapple is a fruit rich in sugar, but it also contains vitamin C and fiber, and an enzyme, bromelain, known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Vitamin-deficiency anemia is a condition in which the body doesn't produce enough healthy red blood cells. This vitamin is another crucial vitamin for bone health and may also prevent some types of cancer, according to the Cleveland Clinic. If you continue treatment until your vitamin levels increase, changing your diet can also help.

Because red blood cells are abnormally large, another name for vitamin deficiency anemia is macrocytic or megaloblastic anemia. Patton suggests drinking three servings of fortified milk or yogurt a day and eating fatty fish, such as salmon or tuna, twice a week, because these are foods that contain vitamin D. You have a higher risk of developing vitamin deficiency anemia if you follow a diet that might be better or if you have a condition that makes it difficult for your body to absorb certain nutrients. According to the NIH, most adults need 15 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin D per day, and adults over 70 need 20 mcg.

According to the NIH, vitamin B12 helps the production of red blood cells and DNA, and also improves neurotransmitter function. Vitamin D deficiency can occur in combination with anemia, but it usually doesn't cause it directly. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), calcium is important for keeping bones strong and controlling muscle and nerve function. You may think that vitamin and mineral deficiencies are a thing of the past and are only experienced by sailors on long sea voyages.

However, if your diet is restricted or you've had gastric bypass surgery, you might want to take a multivitamin.