Top US doctor reveals 8 signs of nutrient deficiency that are often overlooked

Your body gives you signs when it falls short on something. These signs appear even before the lab reports can catch them. Nutrition is where the body obtains energy to carry out all its bodily processes. If you are eating a balanced diet, you should be getting all the macro and micronutrients. However, poor diet and some health conditions can prevent the absorption of certain nutrients. Catching the signs of nutrient deficiency is crucial for good health and overall well-being. Dr. Saurabh Sethi, a California-based gastroenterologist and liver specialist with over 25 years of clinical experience, has now shared 8 signs that the body shows when it faces nutrient deficiencies. “As a stomach doctor, I see this all the time: fatigue, brittle nails, brain fog, often it’s not age or stress. It’s nutrient deficiencies. And most people overlook the root cause,” he said. Let’s take a look at the signs.

If you feel tired all the time, it is time to investigate the root cause behind it. Because feeling exhausted, even after sleeping, is not a good sign. Dr. Sethi says it could also be a hint that your body lacks crucial nutrients. “It could be low iron, vitamin B12, or magnesium. These power your metabolism and oxygen delivery. Without them, you feel drained,” he said, in a video shared on Instagram.

If you notice your nails breaking very easily, as they have become brittle, it should not be dismissed. Similarly, hair loss is more than an aesthetic concern. It could be a sign of something deeper. Dr. Sethi says these signs are often tied to zinc, biotin, protein, or iron deficiency. This happens because, when nutrients fall short, your body prioritizes vital organs, not your hair or nails.

Do people always ask you why you are so cold? No, not your attitude, but your extremities in the body, such as your hands or feet. Chronic cold hands or feet are a red flag. “It may be a sign of iodine or iron deficiency, which affects thyroid function and red blood cell production,” Dr. Sethi reveals.

Experiencing muscle cramps or twitching is often assumed as a result of physical exertion or tiredness. But it could be more. Dr. Sethi says that these signs often appear when the levels of magnesium, potassium, or calcium are low. According to him, people with gut dysfunction may have trouble with the absorption of these vital nutrients.

No, being unable to focus is not really because your brain has given up. It might be a sign of nutrient deficiency. According to Dr. Sethi, brain fog and trouble focusing could be signs of low omega-3s, vitamin D, B12, or choline. “These nutrients are essential for neurotransmitters and brain performance,” he shares.

Bruising easily or noticing bleeding gums while brushing? It's time to stop blaming it on your brushing technique or clumsiness. Dr. Sethi says these are classic signs of vitamin C or vitamin K deficiency. “Vitamin C helps collagen hold your vessels together. Vitamin K is key for clotting,” he explains.

Do you have cracks at the corners of your mouth? Do these cracks persist longer, or appear often? This condition is called angular cheilitis. According to Dr. Sethi, this could be B vitamins (especially B2 and B6) or iron deficiency. “If it keeps coming back, don't ignore it,” he cautions.

Changes in appetite are often overlooked. Loss of hunger is never a good sign. Also, some people experience weird cravings, such as wanting to eat ice or dirt. It’s important to look beyond the oddness. “That could signal iron or zinc deficiency,” Dr. Sethi says. He also adds that loss of appetite is sometimes tied to zinc or B12 deficiency. It could also be a sign of poor gut health.