Hypovitaminosis

This is a pathological condition caused by a lack of vitamins in the body. If there is a deficiency of vitamins in food or if their absorption and metabolism are disrupted (e.g., when taking medications, diuretics), the need for vitamins increases, leading to the possibility of hypovitaminosis. It can be primary or secondary.

Primary hypovitaminosis occurs when there is insufficient intake of vitamins through food or an increased need for them in the body (e.g., when sick, during pregnancy, breastfeeding, working hard in cold and hot climates). Depending on the vitamin deficiency, various symptoms of hypovitaminosis are possible. When there is a lack of vitamin A, vision worsens in dim light (night blindness), the cornea becomes cloudy and softens. The skin becomes dry, rough, and flaky. Due to vitamin D hypovitaminosis, there is a decrease in calcium and phosphorus in the blood, bone mineralization is disrupted, a child may develop rickets, and in adults, bones begin to soften. In the case of vitamin K hypovitaminosis, blood clotting slows down, blood may accumulate in the skin, joints, and internal organs. Vitamin E hypovitaminosis manifests as a tendency to hemolytic anemia. When there is a deficiency of vitamin C, fatigue sets in quickly, productivity decreases, anemia occurs, and gums bleed. A child grows poorly, becomes susceptible to various diseases. Due to a lack of vitamin B₁, the patient becomes emaciated and thin. In the case of vitamin B₂ hypovitaminosis, the corners of the lips crack, nails become brittle, inflammation of the tongue and oral mucosa begins, and vision is impaired. Due to vitamin PP hypovitaminosis, appetite decreases, diarrhea or constipation occurs, the skin becomes dry, and the central nervous system is often affected. When there is a lack of vitamin B₆, the functioning of the central nervous system is disrupted, and inflammation of the skin and mucous membranes may occur. Due to vitamin B₁₂ hypovitaminosis, there is a risk of developing pernicious anemia, known as Addison’s and Birmer’s disease, and due to folic acid hypovitaminosis – megaloblastic anemia, inflammation of the mouth, stomach, and intestinal mucosa.

Secondary hypovitaminosis occurs when there is a disruption in the absorption of vitamins in the body, due to stomach, liver, pancreas, intestinal diseases, or increased excretion of vitamins from the body. Such hypovitaminosis can also be caused by antivitamins entering the body, which destroy vitamins or inhibit their activity.

It is treated with the vitamins that are lacking and causing hypovitaminosis. It is very important to eat a balanced diet rich in vitamins.

Source | Glossary of Most Commonly Used Biomedical Terms and Concepts | Lithuanian University of Health Sciences | Academician Professor Antanas Praškevičius, Professor Laima Ivanovienė