Staying Fit
![scientist holds two blood sample one is order for vitamin deficiency test another is mineral deficiency blood sample one is order for vitamin deficiency test another is mineral deficiency](https://cdn.aarp.net/content/aarpe/en/home/health/conditions-treatments/info-2023/nutrient-vitamin-deficiency-symptoms/_jcr_content/root/container_main/container_body_main/container_body1/container_body_cf/container_image/articlecontentfragment/cfimage.coreimg.50.932.jpeg/content/dam/aarp/health/conditions_treatments/2023/06/1140-vitamin-nutrient-deficiency.jpg)
Are you getting enough essential vitamins and minerals?
Research shows it’s a common concern among older adults in the U.S. — the majority of people 55 and older say they use dietary supplements — and for good reason. When our bodies lack essential vitamins and minerals, physical symptoms such as fatigue and muscle aches can ensue. Nutrient deficiencies have also been linked to chronic diseases, like diabetes and osteoporosis.
![member card Image Alt Attribute](https://cdn.aarp.net/content/experience-fragments/uxdia-folder-structure/en/features/membership/inline-membership-promo/default/master5/_jcr_content/root/responsivegrid/container_copy/container/articleimage.coreimg.75.1140.png/content/dam/uxdia/membership-card-d-and-t.png)
AARP Membership— $12 for your first year when you sign up for Automatic Renewal
Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine.
Different deficiencies can cause different symptoms. To shed light on some of the warning signs, we spoke with Sameera Talegawkar, an associate professor of exercise and nutrition sciences at George Washington University in Washington, D.C.
How to detect a deficiency
Keep in mind, the only way to know if you have a nutrient deficiency is by scheduling a doctor's visit, which may include blood tests to assess your vitamin and mineral levels.
Know that diagnosing deficiencies in older age can present greater complexities due to the presence of chronic diseases and the use of medications. Your doctor must carefully consider these factors and their potential impact on nutrient absorption. “Each nutrient has a physiological function in the body. So, if you have a deficiency, there’s going to be a consequence,” said Talegawkar. “It is important for a physician to take a look at what medications and what health conditions are present before you can diagnose. Some medications might have side effects, which could therefore cause a nutrient deficiency.”
Be sure to speak to a health care provider if you experience any of the following symptoms.
1. Fatigue, bone pain, muscle weakness
Feeling tired? Experiencing bone pain? Having muscle weakness? It could be a sign that you're lacking vitamin D.
This vitamin is important for bone health along with the health of your nervous, musculoskeletal and immune systems.
Older adults are at higher risk for being D deficient. So are people with darker skin and those who live in areas with limited sunlight.
Other symptoms of low vitamin D levels include muscle spasms, cramps, tingling sensations, voice box spasms and changes in personality.
Where to find vitamin D: You can find vitamin D in foods like fatty fish (salmon, mackerel), fish liver oils, fortified dairy products, orange juice, soy milk, breakfast cereals, eggs from hens fed vitamin D and mushrooms exposed to sunlight or UV light.
More on Health
5 Reasons You Should Lower Your Blood Sugar
If you have prediabetes, the sooner you make this a priority, the better the payoff and the longer you could live
9 Nutrients You Need More of As You Get Older
Find out which vitamins, minerals and other essential elements you may lack in your diet
Harvard Study Finds Healthy Diet Stretches Your Life Span
Data supports latest USDA guidelines to eat nutrient-dense foods